Understanding and Responding to Fainting

Introduction

To function properly, our brains rely on a continual flow of oxygen carried in our blood. When this blood flow is temporarily reduced, you may feel dizzy, sick, or odd, and if it is reduced for long enough, you may faint. Fainting is a short-term loss of consciousness, and some people are more prone to fainting than others.

Causes of Fainting

There are many potential reasons why someone might faint, including:

• Anxiety
• Hunger
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Tiredness
• Pain
• Being too hot
• Long periods of standing or sitting still, which causes blood to pool in the legs, reducing the amount of blood reaching the brain

What to Do if Someone Feels Faint

If someone thinks they are about to faint, help them to lie down immediately to restore blood flow to the brain. It is not advisable to ask them to sit down, as fainting while leaning forward can cause further injury. If you are indoors, ask someone to open a window for fresh air.

Assisting Someone Who Has Fainted

When someone has fainted, follow these steps:

1. Lay them on their back and raise their legs about thirty centimetres.
2. Support their legs using your shoulder, a box, a bag, or another object to improve blood flow to the brain.
3. They should recover quickly. Calmly explain what happened as they may be confused or disoriented.
4. Help them to get up in stages. Standing up too quickly may cause them to faint again. If they feel faint while getting up, have them lie down and raise their legs again until they fully recover.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the person does not regain consciousness quickly, open their airway and check for breathing. Follow the process for treating an unconscious casualty. It is not necessary to call emergency services unless the person has fallen and hurt themselves or does not regain consciousness. However, it may be prudent to call a family member or friend to escort them home.

If the casualty is in the late stages of pregnancy, they should lie leaning towards their left side to prevent restriction of blood flow back to the heart.

Regular fainting may indicate an underlying health concern. If fainting occurs frequently or if you have any concerns, it is best to speak to a doctor. If someone faints during exercise or has a seizure after fainting, you should always alert emergency medical services (EMS).

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of fainting and knowing how to respond can help ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. Always monitor the person's condition and seek medical advice if necessary.