Seeing a person faint or collapse can cause anyone to panic, especially if you have no first aid training or background in emergency care. After all, it’s not every day you see and provide care to someone who faints. One thing you need to remember when someone faints is to stay calm and relaxed. Avoid panicking as it can only make the situation more problematic and difficult to handle.
Fainting (also known as syncope) is a temporary, self-correcting form of shock. Although most fainting cases are not serious, falls resulting from temporary loss of consciousness can lead to serious injuries. Fainting can be caused by many different reasons, particularly sudden drop in blood pressure but can also result from stressful situations. All cases of fainting should be evaluated further for potential serious medical problems. Heart diseases, brain tumours, inner ear disorders, and undetected diabetes are just some of the medical conditions that can cause fainting. Fainting in older adults may signal more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disorders, that can prove to be lethal if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
How you can help?
If you think someone is about to faint, your main goal should be to protect the person, particularly the head, from serious injuries due to fall. Normally, loss of consciousness associated with fainting happens gradually so you can actually do something to help the victim before he or she falls. Using your body as support, slowly guide the person down to the ground. Take the pulse and blood pressure of the victim.
Keep the person warm and comfortable. Make sure the victim’s immediate surrounding is well ventilated. Avoid the bystanders from overcrowding around the victim. Provide reassurance. Usually, fainting cases do not require emergency services but it is best to call your local emergency for proper assistance. Some cases of cardiac arrest can be mistaken as regular fainting. The emergency dispatch operator can assist you in assessing the victim properly.
In most cases, victims of fainting simply ignore the incident after recovering. However, it is important for the person see a physician as soon as possible to clear any possible health problems. As first aider, you must advice the victim in a polite but firm manner not to drive until he has been cleared by a healthcare provider.
How you can prevent fainting?
You can usually prevent a fainting episode by placing the person in a seated position and lowering the head to the level between the knees. However, do not do this to persons with possible spinal or neck injuries, fractures, or severe head injuries. Furthermore, this procedure is not recommended for people with cardiovascular disorders. For people with heart problems, lay the person on his or her bag with legs slightly elevated at the heart level. For people with COPD, a semi-seated position may provide comfort. By placing the person in this position, you can prevent fainting and falling – as well as potential injuries.
Learn More
To learn more about recognizing individuals that have fainted and how to provide help enrol in St Mark James first aid training (more information).
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