For many people, their answer to the above question would be, “I don’t know what to do when someone faints in my presence.” By default, many people panic and only think of calling for help. Calling for help is okay, but you first need to provide first aid then call for help.
When your brain temporarily doesn’t receive enough blood or sugar supply, it is likely to cause you to lose consciousness. This is known as fainting. This loss of consciousness is usually brief. Some of the symptoms of fainting include: dizziness, light-headedness, a pale face, nausea, and heightened anxiety and restlessness.
Some of the symptoms of fainting include: dizziness, light-headedness, a pale face, nausea, and heightened anxiety and restlessness.
The following are the things you should do to provide first aid when someone faints:
- Call out for help as you gently lower the patient to the floor.
- Elevate the person’s legs to restore blood flow to the brain. That is elevate the person’s feet above the height of their head.
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Assess the person for any potential injuries if they have fallen. In case of wounds apply pressure with a piece of cloth as you await proper dressing as soon as appropriate.
- Check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. Look for responsiveness by calling, taping or shaking gently.
- Turn the patient on the side with head tilted to the left, if the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth
- To reduce the chance of fainting again, don’t get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn’t regain consciousness within one minute, call your local emergency number and begin CPR.
Reviewed by Dr. Alex Mayanja.