Fainting is a state of loss of consciousness for a short period of time, and is usually followed by a return to full consciousness. Fainting, the medical term for syncope, occurs when the air supply to the brain is suddenly reduced due to a drop in blood pressure. In most cases, the person who has fainted will regain consciousness within a minute or two of passing out. There are several causes for fainting, from dehydration or standing up suddenly after sitting for a long time to a serious heart condition. However, what should you do when you see someone fainting or you faint yourself?
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Method 1 of 2: Dealing with a Fainting Person
Step 1. Help him lie down
If you see someone about to pass out, try catching them and laying them down. An unconscious person cannot reach anything when they fall to protect themselves. While people who faint are usually not seriously injured, you can help protect them by preventing them from falling to the ground. However, do so only if it is safe for you. If the body is bigger, for example, you could be injured.
Step 2. Lay the body in a supine position
Pat or shake his body to see if he regains consciousness. In most cases, the unconscious person will regain consciousness quickly (usually between 20 seconds and 2 minutes).
- A fainted person will fall so that his head is at the level of his heart. In this position, the heart will more easily pump blood to the brain. By that area, recovery can be done as quickly as fainting itself.
- If he has regained consciousness, ask him what his previous symptoms or conditions caused him to faint. Symptoms such as headaches, seizures, numbness or tingling, chest pain, or difficulty breathing are especially worrisome. In such cases, you should call emergency services.
Step 3. Help him rest if he regains consciousness
Loosen tight clothing (such as a tie or collar) to make him more comfortable.
- Let him lie down and rest for 15-20 seconds. This provides enough time for blood to return to the brain.
- Give him room to breathe and fan for fresh air. If he fainted in a public place, people would usually flock to see what was going on. Ask everyone to back off unless they are helping.
- Give him water and/or food once he is conscious and stable as water and food will help to refresh. Dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are common causes of fainting.
- Don't let him wake up right away. Ask him to remain lying down for a few minutes. This is to allow blood to flow back to the brain. In addition, waking up suddenly can trigger another fainting spell. After regaining consciousness, maybe he wanted to quickly get up and try to walk after the incident.
- She should consult a doctor if she has a head injury, additional symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, etc.) or other conditions (pregnancy, heart disease, etc.).
Step 4. Check pulse if he doesn't regain consciousness
Call or have someone else call emergency services. You can also have someone look for an automated external defibrillator. Check for a pulse in the neck because that is where the pulse is strongest. Place your index and middle fingers next to your windpipe and feel for a pulse.
- Check the pulse on only one side of the neck at a time. Checking both sides at once can reduce blood flow to the brain.
- If you feel a pulse, try elevating the leg about half a meter. This helps circulate blood back to the brain.
Step 5. Perform CPR if you can't find a pulse
If you're not familiar with CPR, try asking if anyone around you is a medical expert.
- Kneel next to the fainted person.
- Place the heel of your hand in the center of his chest.
- Place your next hand on top of the first hand.
- Make sure your elbows don't bend.
- Use the entire upper part of your body weight and press the chest.
- The chest should be compressed as you push your hands up to a depth of 5 cm.
- Press the chest about 100 pressures per minute.
- Keep pressing on his chest until help arrives and takes over.
Step 6. Make sure you stay calm and reassure the victim
Calmness and self-control in a situation like this will make a lot of difference.
Method 2 of 2: Coping if You Fainted
Step 1. Learn to recognize the signs of fainting
One of the best things you can do if you are prone to fainting is to learn to recognize the signs. Take note of the symptoms if you faint frequently. If you feel you are about to pass out, you can take precautions and avoid serious injury. Signs of fainting include:
- Nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Seeing white or black dots, or blurred or narrowed vision (tunnels)
- Feeling hot or sweating
- Stomach ache
Step 2. Find a place to lie down if you think you might pass out
Raise your legs to encourage blood flow to the brain.
- If it is not possible to lie down, sit down and place your head between your knees.
- Rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3. Do deep breathing
Inhale in through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Deep breathing can also make you calmer.
Step 4. Ask for help
Asking for help is a good idea because other people will be aware of your situation. So someone will catch you if you fall, lay you down, and call a doctor if necessary.
Step 5. Try to stay safe if you faint
If you feel like you're about to pass out, stay away from any potential danger and take steps to minimize the severity of the fainting.
For example, try to position yourself so you don't fall on a sharp object
Step 6. Take preventive steps to avoid fainting in the future
In some cases, you can avoid fainting by taking some precautions and avoiding triggers. Some steps you can try are:
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Hydrate the body and eat regularly:
You should maintain your fluid balance by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, especially on hot days. Eating healthy foods on a regular basis will help reduce the dizziness and weakness associated with hunger.
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Avoid stressful situations:
For some people, fainting is caused by a stressful, anxiety-provoking or upsetting situation. Therefore, you should stay calm by avoiding such situations.
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Avoiding drugs, alcohol and cigarettes:
The substance is full of toxins that are generally unhealthy and can trigger fainting in some people.
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Do not change positions suddenly:
Fainting is sometimes caused by sudden movements, such as standing up suddenly after sitting or lying down. Try to stand slowly, and hold the position steady to balance your body, if possible.
Step 7. Consult a doctor if the problem persists
If you faint frequently, it is important that you consult a doctor. Fainting may be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as heart problems or orthostatic hypotension.
- You should also call your doctor if you hit your head while fainting, are pregnant, have diabetes, heart disease or other health problems, or if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, headache, or shortness of breath.
- Your doctor will evaluate your medical history to find out why you fainted. Further tests may be ordered, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests.
Tips
Try to find out the cause of the fainting. Is it stress, or standing still for long periods of time?
Warning
- Fainting is also common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes. In the later stages of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the blood vessels and affect the return of blood to the heart. In turn, this can make the pregnant woman feel faint.
- Fainting is more common in women than men. Fainting is also more common in people 75 years of age and older.
