When people faint, they fall, which brings the head to the same level of the heart. In this position, it is easier for the heart to pump blood to the brain. Therefore, recovery can be just as sudden as fainting is. If the person regains consciousness, inquire about any pre-existing symptoms or conditions that may have caused the fainting. Symptoms such as headache, seizure, numbness or tingling, chest pain or trouble breathing are all worrisome. In such cases, emergency services (EMS) should be called. [5] X Research source
Let the person lay on the ground and rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This provides enough time for blood to return to the brain. Give the person room to breathe and fan the victim with fresh air. If fainting happens in a public place, crowds typically gather in order to see what happened. Ask people to back up unless they are actually helping the situation. Give the person water and/or food once they are conscious and stable; food and water will help revive them. Dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are common causes of fainting. Do not let the person get up too quickly. Encourage them to stay lying down for a few minutes. This will allow blood flow to the brain to fully regain. Additionally, abrupt rise may precipitate another fainting episode. Once people have regained consciousness, they may try to brush it off by standing and trying to walk too soon after the incident. If the person has a head injury, additional symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, etc. ) or a preexisting condition (pregnancy, heart disease, etc. ), they should consult a doctor.
Assess the pulse only on one side of the neck at a time. Checking both sides can compromise the blood supply to the brain. If there is a pulse, try to raise the person’s legs a couple of feet above the ground. This helps blood flow back to the brain.
Kneel next to the person. Place the heel of one hand at the center of the person’s chest. Place the other hand on top of the first. Be sure not to bend your elbows. Use your whole upper body weight and compress on the person’s chest. The chest must be compressed as you push straight down by at least 2 inches. Push down on the chest at about 100 compressions each minute. Continue chest compressions until EMS arrives and takes over.
Nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness Seeing white or black spots or experiencing blurry or tunnel vision Feeling very hot or sweaty Having an upset stomach
If it’s not possible to lie on the ground, sit down and put your head between your knees. Rest for about 10-15 minutes.
For example, try to position your body such that you fall out of the path of sharp objects.
Staying hydrated and eating regularly: It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, especially on hot days. Eating regular, healthy meals can help ameliorate feelings of dizziness and weakness associated with hunger. Avoiding stressful situations: For some people, fainting is brought on by stressful, upsetting or anxiety-producing situations. Thus, it is important to stay calm by avoiding these kinds of situations as much as possible. Avoiding drugs, alcohol and cigarettes: These items are full of toxins that are generally unhealthy and can induce fainting in some people. Avoiding changing position quickly: Fainting is sometimes caused by sudden movement, such as standing up too quickly after sitting or lying down. Try to stand up slowly, and hold onto something stable for balance, if possible.
You should also contact the doctor if you hit your head while fainting, are pregnant, suffer from diabetes, a heart condition or another underlying issue, or if you experience accompanying symptoms like chest pain, confusion or shortness of breath. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history to figure out why you have fainted. Further tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood work may be performed also.
