Dealing with fainting

Content

To step
Method 1 of 2: Helping someone who is passing out
Method 2 of 2: Help yourself if you are going to pass out
Warnings
Tips

Fainting is a sudden, short-term loss of consciousness usually followed by a complete return to the normal waking state. Fainting (the medical term is syncope) is caused by a temporary inadequate blood supply to the brain due to a drop in blood pressure. In most cases, people return to their senses within a minute or two of the passing out. There can be several causes of fainting, from dehydration to getting up suddenly after sitting for a long time to heart disease. But what do you do when you see someone pass out, or when you are about to pass out?

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Method 1 of 2: Helping someone who is passing out

Help the person lie down. If you notice that a person is going to pass out, try to catch them and slowly lower them to the floor. While passing out, you are unable to protect yourself with your hands. While someone who faints usually doesn't suffer serious injuries, you can protect that person by preventing them from falling to the floor. Of course, you can only do this if it's safe for yourself - if the person who is passing out, for example, is much taller than you, you could end up in a dangerous situation.
Place the person on their back. Push or shake the person to see if consciousness has returned. In most cases, people who have passed out recover quickly (usually after 20 seconds to 2 minutes).
- When people pass out, they fall, so that the head is level with the heart. In this position, it is easier for the heart to pump blood to the brain. As a result, recovery can be as fast as the fainting itself.
- If the person has regained consciousness, ask about any symptoms or conditions that may have caused the fainting. Symptoms such as a headache, seizure, seizure, numbness or tingling, chest pain, or trouble breathing are all of concern. In some cases it is better to call the emergency number 112 or a doctor.
Allow the person to rest once they regain consciousness. Loosen any clothing that is too tight (such as a bow or collar) so that the person is more comfortable.
- In any case, have the person lie on the floor for at least 15-20 minutes to rest. This gives the blood enough time to return to the brain.
- Allow the person to breathe, and fan some fresh air into the victim's face. If the fainting occurs in a public place, people usually crowd to see what's going on. Ask people to step back unless they are actually helping with the situation.
- Provide the person with water and / or food when he / she regains consciousness and is stable. Eating and drinking will help you to recover. Dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are common causes of fainting.
- Do not let the person get up too quickly. Advise the person to lie down for a few minutes. This allows the blood flow to the brain to regain full flow. In addition, standing up suddenly can result in another faintness. Once someone has regained their senses, they may want to put it behind them by getting up and walking too soon after the incident.
- If the person has suffered a head injury, has other complaints (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, etc.), or has already dealt with other special situations (pregnancy, heart problems, etc.) / they contact a doctor.
If the person does not regain consciousness quickly, check the person's pulse. Have someone call the emergency number. This is also an opportunity to have someone search for a defibrillator (AED). Check the person's heartbeat in the neck, as it is most evident at that location. Place your index and middle fingers on the person's neck on either side of the trachea to feel the pulse.
- Only check the heart rate on one side of the neck at a time. Holding down both sides can hinder blood flow to the brain.
- If there is a heartbeat, place the person's legs several feet above the ground. This helps keep blood flowing to the brain.
Apply CPR if no heart rate is found. If you don't know how to resuscitate someone, ask if one of the bystanders has a medical background.
- Kneel next to the person.
- Place the bottom of your hand in the center and on top of the person's chest.
- Place the other hand on top of the first hand.
- Make sure your elbows are not bent.
- Use the weight of your entire upper body and press on the person's chest.
- The chest should be pressed in at least 5 cm while pressing it straight down.
- Press down on the chest about 100 times per minute.
- Keep pressing the chest until the emergency room has arrived and can take over.
Stay calm and reassure the victim. Staying calm and making it clear that you are in control of the situation can make a huge difference.

Method 2 of 2: Help yourself if you are going to pass out

Learn to recognize the clues that a faintness is coming. One of the best things you can do if you are prone to passing out is learn to recognize the omens. Keep a notebook or log of your own symptoms if you pass out easily. Knowing in advance that you are about to pass out can help you take the right precautions and avoid potentially serious injuries. Indications that you might pass out are:
- Nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness
- See white or black spots or experience blurred or tunnel vision
- Feeling very hot or sweaty
- A stomach that is upset
Find a place to lie down if you feel like you are going to pass out. Lift your legs to promote blood flow to the brain.
- If it is not possible to lie down on the floor, sit down and place your head between your knees.
- Rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath through your nose and out through your mouth. This can also have a calming effect.
Call for help. Calling for help is a good idea because it makes other people aware of your situation. Another person can then catch you if you fall, put you in the recovery position, and possibly call a doctor.
Try to stay safe if you do pass out. If you find yourself about to pass out, it's important to put yourself out of potential danger and take steps to minimize the severity of the fainting.
- For example, try to position your body so that you do not hit sharp objects.
Take precautions to avoid future fainting. In some cases, it is possible to prevent fainting in the future by taking appropriate precautions and avoiding potential triggers. Some steps you can take as a precaution are:
- Drink enough and eat regularly: It is essential to keep your moisture level by drinking enough water and other drinks, especially on hot days. Eating regularly and healthily can help reduce dizziness and weakness associated with hunger.
- Avoiding Stressful Situations: In some people, fainting is induced by stressful, distressing or anxious situations. So it is important to stay calm as much as possible by avoiding such situations.
- Do not use drugs, alcohol and cigarettes: These things are full of toxins that are generally unhealthy and can cause fainting in some people.
- Do not change position too quickly: Fainting is sometimes caused by sudden movement, such as getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly and, if possible, hold on to something stable for your balance.
Consult a doctor if the problem persists. If you notice that you often or regularly pass out, it is important to consult your doctor. The fainting can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as heart problems or orthostatic hypotension.
- Also contact your doctor if you have bumped your head due to fainting, if you are pregnant, have diabetes, have a heart condition or another medical condition, or if you suffer from additional complaints, such as chest pain , confusion, or shortness of breath.
- Your doctor will review your medical history to find out why you passed out. Other tests may also be taken, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood tests.

Warnings

Fainting is also common during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. In the later stages of your pregnancy, the expanding uterus can pinch blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the heart. This in turn can cause the pregnant woman to faint.
Fainting is more common in women than in men. It is also more common in people over the age of 75.