First Aid

Method of Dealing With Another Person Fainting

Fainting is defined as a sudden and brief loss of consciousness followed by a complete return to a normal state of wakefulness, results from decreased blood supply to the brain and a person’s blood pressure drops. Mostly, people regain consciousness within a short period minute or two after fainting. A number of things e.g. dehydration to standing up suddenly after prolonged sitting, serious heart condition etc. can lead to fainting. But how to react to when you see someone faint?
Step 1.
Catch the person who is collapsing and lie him down on the floor safely, this way you will protect him from the injuries that might result from hitting the ground.
Step 2.
Position him on his back, and shake to see if the person regains his consciousness which people do in most cases within twenty seconds to two minutes. Falling on the ground brings heart and head to the same level making blood circulation to brain easy and hence recovery is sudden.
Step 3.
If he wakes up, ask about any pre-existing signs and symptoms or conditions that may be the responsible factor of his fainting. Headache, seizure, numbness/tingling, troubled breathing or chest pain if accompany this is alarming, and emergency services (EMS) should be called.
Step 4.

Provide your assistance to the person to rest if he has regained consciousness. Loosen tight clothing (e.g a tie or collar) to make him comfortable. This is simple let the person lay on the ground and take rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, offering enough time for blood to return to the brain. Another important factor that is usually neglected is to give the person enough room to breathe freely, and fan the victim with fresh air. If people have gathered around him ask them to back up unless they are being of any help. Give him some fluid to drink. Do not allow him to get up so too fast. Check the pulse on neck but only on one side to avoid compromising blood supply on both sides. If the pulse can be felt, raise the person’s legs a few feet above ground, which helps the blood to flow back to the brain.
Step 5.
If no pulse is detected then initiate the CPR,

which is a series of medical steps to resuscitate the person till help arrives, consists mainly of mouth to mouth breathing and chest compression alternatively, and a few other lifesaving maneuvers.
Key is to stay calm and reassure the victim.