First aid in case of fainting will depend on the syncope already occurring or not. If the person is still did not faint, you should sit her on a chair and put your head down. Then ask the victim push the head up for a few seconds, at the same time you resist the movement, pushing the back of your neck with the palm of your hand. Repeat this procedure at least 3 times.
This procedure increases the blood flow in the head and, consequently, improves the oxygenation of the brain and can prevent fainting.
However, if the fainting already occurred, the first aid consist of:
1) Remove the victim from a place that could cause danger, such as stairs and windows;
2) Air the environment or transport the victim to a more ventilated place. Hot or crowded places should be avoided;
3) Lay the victim upside down and raise your legs above the chest, with the head lower than the rest of the body, to improve oxygenation of the brain and other vital organs;
4) Turn the person's head to the side to facilitate breathing and avoid suffocation in case of vomiting;
5) Loosen clothing to promote blood circulation;
6) Do not give water to the victim soon after waking up to prevent it from drowning, since it has not yet fully recovered the reflexes;
7) Help the victim to sit down and tell you to take a deep breath for awhile. The person should sit for at least 10 minutes before getting up to avoid further fainting;
8) Walk a little with the person, who must breathe deeply and slowly;
9) Take the victim to an emergency room.
It is also worth remembering what not to do in case of fainting: never throw cold water on the victim's face to wake her; do not offer alcohol or ammonia for her to smell; do not shake the victim to try to wake her up.
A person may faint for several reasons. Among the main causes (hypoglycemia), very severe pain, long periods of physical activity, vomiting, emotional changes, extreme cold or heat, use of drugs or medications, remain low blood pressure (low blood pressure), prolonged fasting with blood sugar standing for a long time, cardiovascular and neurological problems.
The signals and symptons leading to fainting include malaise, darkening of vision, excessive perspiration, loss of consciousness, muscle relaxation, pallor, and shallow breathing.
Fainting or syncope is the loss of the senses caused by decreased cerebral blood flow. It is characterized by a generalized muscle weakness that prevents the person from standing, leading to loss of consciousness.
Learn more at:
What is syncope?
Vasovagal syndrome: how to identify and treat?
The person who passes out should be seen by a general practitioner or family doctor so that the causes of fainting are cleared and given appropriate treatment, if any.
