Fainting is a brief period of unconsciousness caused by low blood sugar or standing in one place for too long. A more serious medical condition can also cause fainting. Unconsciousness is a condition in which a person is not fully alert and responsive to his or her surroundings....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Unlike when sleeping, a person who has fainted and is unconscious cannot cough, clear his or her throat, or turn his or her head if in distress. When a person is unconscious, he or she is at risk of choking, so it is critical to keep the airway clear while waiting for medical attention.
Symptoms Of Fainting
A fainting spell is characterized by the following symptoms:
– Dizziness
– Lightheadedness
– Paleness
– Perspiration
– Increased anxiety and restlessness
– Nausea
– Collapsing
A collapse can occasionally be caused by a more serious event, such as a stroke or a disruption in the normal heart rhythm. A faint could be a warning sign that something is wrong, and further investigation is sometimes required.
If a person complains of shortness of breath, chest pains, or heart palpitations, or if their pulse is faster or slower than usual, they should consult a doctor. Slurred speech, facial droop, or weakness in any limbs are also indications of a serious problem.
What to do if you feel faint
If at all possible, lie down and elevate your feet. This may help to avoid a loss of consciousness. Fresh air can also be beneficial, particularly if you are feeling hot. If you are unable to lie down, place your head as low as possible.
If you do pass out, lie down for ten minutes. When you need to get up, slowly sit up.
Fainting and first aid
A person who has fainted should receive the following first-aid treatment:
1. Assist the person in lying down.
A person who has fainted while sitting in a chair should be assisted to the ground.
2. Examine for any other injuries.
The person may have hurt themselves while falling, so look for head injuries and other wounds. Treat as necessary.
3. Removing tightening clothes
Remove or loosen clothing and try to cool the person down by wiping them with a wet cloth or fanning them if the fainting episode was caused by heat.
4. If there are no injuries and the person is breathing, raise the person’s legs about 12 inches (30 centimeters) above heart level.
To reduce the chances of the person fainting again, don’t get them up too quickly.
5. Check for breathing.
Begin CPR if the person is not breathing. Call the nearest hospital for assistance. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person begins to breathe on his or her own.
Steps for CPR
During a cardiac or breathing emergency, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help save a life.
However, knowing the CPR steps and performing them correctly can be difficult. We’ve created this simple step-by-step guide to assist you in assisting someone in need.
1. Inspect the scene for safety, make an initial assessment, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. If the person appears unresponsive, use shout-tap-shout to check for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions.
3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or is only gasping, call 911 or instruct someone to do so.
4. Place the individual on their back on a firm, flat surface.
5. Perform 30 chest compressions.
– Hand position: Two hands on the chest, centered.
– Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked.
– Depth must be at least 2 inches.
– Speed: 100 to 120 beats per minute.
– After each compression, allow the chest to return to its normal position.
6. Give 2 breaths.
– Using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique, move the airway past neutral.
– Ensure that each breath lasts approximately one second and causes the chest to rise; allow air to exit before taking the next breath.
Note: Stilt the head and ensure a proper seal before taking the second breath if the first breath does not cause the chest to rise.
If the second breath does not cause the chest to rise, an object may be in the way of the airway.
7. Continue with 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths per set.
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