This is what you need to do if somebody faints

Fainting or syncope is a slight loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain. The person usually recovers within a few moments but you should know what to do if this happens.

What are the causes of fainting?

• A sudden drop in blood pressure.
• A serious emotional shock such as a fright, an emotional blow or joy.
• Prolonged fasting.
• Being in enclosed, poorly ventilated and hot places.
• Overexposure to the sun or to very high temperatures.
• Severe pain.
• Hypoglycaemia.

A faint is a sudden occurrence, but there are often prior signs that show that the person is feeling unwell. The person may not have enough time to ask for help. Watch out in case of these symptoms:

• The person turns pale.
• Is sweating profusely.
• Feels weak and even falls if he/she does not manage to sit.
• Is confused or does not respond consistently.
• Is breathing shallowly.

It is usually over in a few seconds or minutes, but leaves the person feeling weak and confused. One of the most serious problems with fainting is a sudden fall which causes the person to hit themselves against the ground. In case of doubt, it is always a good idea to have a medical check-up.

What should you do next?

First of all, stay calm and make the person comfortable in a well ventilated, safe place, in the shade.

• Check their breathing and pulse. If not, call the emergency room immediately and, if you know how, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Remove any restrictive clothing. Loosen the neck and waist…
• If the person is unconscious but breathing, lie him or her on his side in case he or she vomits.
• If the person is conscious, lie him or her face up with raised legs, to boost blood flow to the heart and brain.
• Ask him/her to breathe slowly and deeply.
• Cough several times. This stimulates blood flow to the brain.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink until he/she has recovered. Moisten his/her lips and cool him/her down if it is too hot. Once fully conscious, aware and able to sit, you can start hydrating the person with small sips of fluids.
• After a faint, the person usually feels cold and tremble. Wrap her up warmly and keep her comfortable.

After a little while, you should find out the cause of the faint. If it is due to fasting, the person may have suffered a drop in sugar, so you must give him something sweet. If the problem is dehydration, replace fluids and salts.

Ask a doctor in case of pregnancy, diabetes or seizures, weak limbs or difficulty regaining consciousness. Also seek medical help if these episodes occur frequently.

First, help the person to sit and then to stand. The person should rest and not do anything strenuous for the next few hours.