Fainting and Unconsciousness
People can faint or fall unconscious for many reasons: After strenuous exercise or exertion; because of shock or emotional upset; because of excessive heat or stuffiness; because of the side effects of medicines or drugs
Whatever the cause, fainting occurs when the blood supply to the brain is reduced, leading to dizziness, nausea, a cold sweat and complete or partial loss of consciousness.
This period of unconsciousness is usually brief and people generally make a full recovery within minutes.
There is rarely anything medically significant about a ‘one off’ fainting episode. The real danger lies in victims injuring themselves as they fall. If fainting becomes a regular occurrence, however, you should see your doctor.
More serious is unconsciousness following a fit or a blow to the head. In these cases, recovery can take a lot longer and there may be long-term side effects. Medical advice should be sought immediately.
What to do
- If possible, try to break the victim's fall
- Loosen tight clothing that might restrict blood flow
- Lie the patient on their back and raise their legs to encourage blood flow to the brain
- Make sure they are breathing and that their airway is not obstructed. If they are not breathing, start ABC resuscitation immediately
Airway
Open and maintain the airway as your first priority making sure there are no obstructions, including the tongue, that could prevent breathing. To do this place one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilting the head back, then lift the chin using 2 fingers only.
Breathing
Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds to see if the casualty is breathing normally. Look to see if the chest is rising and falling, listen for breathing and try to feel for breath against your cheek. If breathing is normal, place the casualty in the recovery position. If breathing is not normal then you will need to begin CPR. (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).
Circulation
If the casualty has stopped breathing you can assist them by performing a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. You breathe out enough oxygen to potentially keep the casualty alive until the emergency services arrive and the oxygen you breathe into the casualty will need to then be pumped around the body using chest compressions. The advice of how many rescue breaths and chest compressions differs whether the casualty is an adult, child or baby but the emergency services will be able to advise the correct procedure.
St John’s Ambulance website offers more detailed advice on the ABC resuscitation routine, the recovery position and CPR.
- If they are breathing, open a window or door so they get plenty of fresh air.
- Make sure they are warm, comfortable and covered by a blanket if possible.
- Do not give them anything to drink until they are fully recovered because of the risk of choking.
- http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/heart-attacks-and-shock/severe-allergic-reactions.aspx
Source:
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Top Tip
If someone you’re with complains of feeling faint, sit them down and get them to put their head between their knees to increase blood flow to the brain.
PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.
