To treat faint, follow these steps:
- Make the person safe. If the person is in a dangerous place, such as in the street, move them to a safe place where they will not be injured.
- Lay the person down on their back. Raise their legs above heart level if possible. This will help to increase blood flow to the brain.
- Loosen any tight clothing around the person’s neck or waist.
- Give the person fresh air. If you are indoors, open a window or door. If you are outdoors, move the person to a shady spot.
- Check the person’s pulse and breathing. If the person is not breathing, call 911 immediately and begin CPR.
- If the person is breathing and has a pulse, wait until they regain consciousness. This usually happens within a few minutes.
- Once the person is conscious, help them to sit up slowly. Give them some water or something sugary to drink.
- If the person feels faint again, have them lie down and raise their legs again.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical attention if:
- The person does not regain consciousness within one minute.
- The person has a history of heart disease or other medical conditions.
- The person faints more than once in a day.
- The person faints after a head injury or other trauma.
- The person has other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or seizures.
Preventing fainting
There are a few things you can do to prevent fainting, such as:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially on hot days.
- Avoid standing in one place for too long.
- Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Eat regular meals and snacks to avoid low blood sugar.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent fainting and keep yourself safe.