A brief, abrupt loss of consciousness that is typically followed by a full recovery to a normal level of awareness is known as a faint. Syncope, the medical word for fainting, is brought on by a temporary decrease in blood pressure that leaves the brain without enough blood flow. After fainting, most people regain consciousness after a minute or two. There are several potential causes of fainting, such as severe heart problems, dehydration, or rising up abruptly after sitting for a long time. However, what should you do if you witness someone pass out or if you pass out?
1. Assist them in failing. Try to catch someone who appears to be about to pass out and gently lower them to the ground. People who faint are unable to use their hands to defend themselves if they fall. Even though most fainting victims do not sustain severe injuries, keeping them from falling will keep them safe. Naturally, only take this action if it is safe for you; for example, you might be in danger if the person fainting is significantly larger than you.
2. Place the victim on their back. To check if they have regained awareness, give them a tap or a shake. People who have fainted typically regain consciousness quite quickly—between two and twenty seconds, on average.
People who are fainting collapse, bringing their heads to the same level as their hearts. The heart can pump blood to the brain more easily when the body is in this position. As a result, recovery can happen as quickly as fainting.
If the patient comes to, find out if there are any underlying medical issues or symptoms that could have contributed to the fainting. Worrisome symptoms include headache, seizures, tingling or numbness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Emergency services (EMS) should be contacted in such circumstances.
3. Should they recover awareness, assist them in getting some rest. To make the wearer more comfortable, undo any tight garments, such as a collar or tie.
For at least 15 to 20 minutes, let the person to lie on the ground and rest. This gives the blood in the brain enough time to return.
Allow breathing room for the person and blow fresh air into the victim’s face. When someone faints in a public setting, people usually congregate to witness the incident. Request people’s support if they aren’t truly improving the situation.
Once the person is stable and conscious, give them food and/or water; they will aid in their resuscitation. Two common reasons of fainting are hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dehydration.
4. If consciousness does not return quickly, check for a pulse. Make an EMS call, or ask someone else to. It’s also a chance to have someone search for an AED, or automatic external defibrillator. Examine the patient’s pulse at the nape, as here is where it will be the strongest. Feel for the pulse by placing your index and third fingers on the person’s neck, just to the side of their windpipe.
Only one side of the neck’s pulse should be examined at a time. Verifying both sides may jeopardize the brain’s blood supply.
Try to lift the person’s legs a few feet off the ground if there is a pulse. This facilitates the brain’s blood flow recovery.
5. If there is no pulse, start CPR. whether you are not trained in CPR, you might want to find out whether someone nearby is a doctor.
Be on your knees by their side.
Put one hand’s heel in the middle of the person’s chest.
Put the other hand over the initial one.
Make sure your elbows are not bent.
Compress the person’s chest with your entire upper body weight.
Pushing straight down must compress the chest by at least two inches.
Aim to compress the chest 100 times each minute or so.
in until EMS shows in and takes over, keep applying chest compressions.
6. Remain composed and comfort the victim. Remaining collected and in charge of the circumstance can have a profound impact.
