Fainting
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness from a sudden decrease of blood flow to the brain. A faint usually lasts a few seconds or minutes and are mainly harmless.
Common causes for fainting
- Exhaustion
- Emotional stress
- Pain
- Lack of food
- Lack of fluids
- Long periods of physical inactivity
Before fainting the casualty may feel;
- Dizzy
- Blurred vision
- Light headed
- Weak
- Nautious
- Ears ringing
Once the casualty collapses to the ground their head is now on the same level as their heart. It’s now easier for the heart to push blood to the brain and the casualty should regain consciousness quickly and make a rapid recovery.
Treatment
- When a casualty feels faint, advise them to lie down and raise their legs to improve blood flow to their brain
- Promote fresh air, ask someone to open a window if indoors
- Move bystanders away
- Reassure your casualty and help them to sit up gradually. If they feel faint again, advise them to lie down and raise their legs once more until they fully recover
If the casualty does not regain responsivness quickly, open their airway and check breathing.
Do not advise someone who feels faint to sit on a chair with their head between their knwws as they may fall and injure themselves.