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 Fainting
occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily
inadequate, causing you to lose consciousness. Loss of consciousness
is usually brief. Fainting can have no medical significance,
or fainting can be a symptom of a serious disorder. Therefore,
treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the
symptoms are relieved and the cause is known.
If
you feel faint:
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Lie
down or sit down; if you feel dizzy or light-headed
while sitting, lie down.
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Discuss
recurrent fainting spells with your health
care provider. |
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If
someone else faints and slumps to the floor:
- Position
the person on his or her back.
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- Watch
the airway carefully. People who lose consciousness
frequently vomit.
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- Position
your ear over the person's mouth to listen for breathing
sounds. Check for a pulse. If breathing and heartbeat
have stopped, the problem is more serious than a fainting
spell. CALL 911
Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Get
emergency medical care.
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- If
the person is breathing and has a pulse, restore blood
flow to the brain by raising the person's legs above
the level of the head. A pillow or stack of books
is good. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive
clothing. The person should revive quickly.
If the person does not regain consciousness in
1 to 2 minutes,
call 911 in the U.S. & Canada. (For
other countries, see our First Aid
page.)
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