Fainting
Fainting
Common causes of fainting are pain, hunger, stress or long periods of sitting or standing but can also be a sign of more complex situations. The blood vessels in the lower body dilate and then the heart slows causing blood pressure to fall. This results in a temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain.
Signs and symptoms
Before fainting the casualty may have a stomach ache, blurred vision or dizziness. They are also likely to have pale, sweaty skin. In darker skin tones this can be seen inside the lips which will be less pink with possible blue tinges.
Symptoms can also include a temporary loss of consciousness for no more than a few minutes and usually only a few seconds accompanied with a slow pulse.
Treatment
- Lay the casualty down if not already and raise their legs to promote blood flow.
- Check airway is clear and breathing is normal.
- Allow fresh air to circulate and remove excess bystanders from crowding around.
- Reassure casualty as they recover and don’t allow them to make sudden movements.
- If they feel faint again, repeat the above steps. Identify if there is a cause.
- Check airway and breathing again, place in the recovery position and call 999/112 if necessary.
