How to Help a Fainting Victim

When a person experiences fainting episodes it could be triggered by various factors or situations like hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, excessive pain, emotional distress, anxiety, standing for long periods, lack of oxygen, certain medication or medical conditions, like, cardiovascular related problems, brain tumors, excessive alcohol ingestion. The fainting episode is caused by loss of oxygen flow to the brain casing loss of unconsciousness. This article will help you recognize the signs of fainting and give help to a person who is experiencing a fainting episode and prevent injuries from the fall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• cold compress
• oxygen
• water or fluids
• sugar
• candy

1. Some of the signs and symptoms to recognize in fainting victims are dizziness, weakness, paleness, blurry vision and nausea and vomiting. Sometimes the person will also present with sweating and hands that are clammy to the touch. The pulse will be slow or rapid and/or palpitations will be present.
2. To prevent injuries from occurring you should try to avoid the victim from falling onto the ground. If the person is standing upright you should try and place them down onto the ground or to sit down in a couch. Make sure it is not a chair without arm rests as this will still allow the victim to fall to the ground and cause injuries to the body.
3. Open the window or door to allow more ventilation and air into the room. Loosen any tight clothing around the person's body prevent restriction of blood flow to the body and brain.
4. Turn the person into the recovery position ( onto the left side of the body)to prevent regurgitation of vomit or fluids from the stomach. This position will also allow fluids or saliva to drain from the mouth.
5. Another way to help a fainting person is to get a cold compress and place it onto the forehead. Wrap the compress in a cloth before putting onto the skin.
6. when the victim recovers from the fainting spell get the person back into an upright sitting position slowly. Continue to give support to the victim even after they are sitting upright and fully conscious in the event they have another fainting episode and fall again to the ground.
7. If the person is fully conscious then give them some water or fluids with sugar, especially if the person is a diabetic. Make sure they take small sips at a time to prevent choking. Before they stand up make sure they are fully conscious and have rested for a ten to fifteen minutes before attempting to walk.

Tips & Warnings

• Frequent fainting episodes could signal some serious medial condition therefore the person should go and see a medical doctor for a full medical check up.
• Seek medical attention if the person who is fainting is elderly, has heart problems, faint when they are sitting or lying down, and faints frequently
• This article is written for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical attention with your own medical doctor or health care professional.
• Immediately get medical attention if the victim does not regain consciousness. Call 911. Check the victims airway and their breathing as well as for circulation.