Fainting: First aid

Fainting occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily inadequate, causing you to lose consciousness. This loss of consciousness is usually brief.

Fainting can have no medical significance, or the cause can be a serious disorder. Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the signs and symptoms are relieved and the cause is known.

If you feel faint:

• Lie down or sit down.
• If you sit down, place your head between your knees.

Discuss recurrent fainting spells with your doctor.

If someone else faints:

1. Position the person on his or her back. Elevate the legs above heart level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters), if possible.
2. Check the person's airway to be sure it's clear. Watch for vomiting.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin CPR. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person responds and begins to breathe.
4. Help restore blood flow. If the person is breathing, restore blood flow to the brain by raising the person's legs above the level of the head. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing. The person should revive quickly. If the person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.

If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat any bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid
• Shock: First aid
• Severe bleeding: First aid