Someone Faints. What Do You Do?
One moment they're next to you and the next they're on the ground.
So what?
People will either freak out or think nothing of it when someone faints.
Both can be detrimental.
Usually when someone faints they come to fairly quickly. But someone can also lose consciousness for many other reasons. So knowing why they passed out isn't going to help you right now.
Helping them is what you need to focus on.
Is the person conscious?
Get to the person and ensure you're safe. Try to gain some response from them.
Speak to them. If there's no response try tapping their shoulder.
If they come to right away then that's good. But we're not done yet.
If they do not come to we have to proceed differently.
See if they are breathing normal.
If they are not breathing or only gasping you need to call 911 and begin CPR. Get an AED if available.
If they are breathing normal and not responsive. Call 911 and monitor their breathing and responsiveness until they arrive.
These are two very different things.
When someone faints and wakes up vs when they pass out and stay unconscious.
Allow them to lay down for a bit.
This always happens.
Person faints.
Wakes up.
Feeling embarrassed.
Everyone around them.
"Oh okay lets get you up!"
Don't.
Let them have a minute.
Have them stay on the ground if its safe for them to do so. Elevating their legs can be beneficial if they are not injured. But don't stand them right back up.
Someone fainted because their blood supply to their brain decreased. If you stand them right back up you could cause them to faint again.
Also keep in mind they may have gotten hurt from falling.
Did they hit their head?
Are they bleeding?
Are they in pain?
Did they land on anything?
Make sure these things are checked before we jump to "everything is ok."
Ask them what lead up to them passing out.
If they can communicate with you ask what they recall.
You don't have to ask them a bunch of medical questions.
But learn what you can.
"Do you know what happened?"
"Did you feel dizzy before you passed out?"
"Did you feel any pain in your chest?"
"Were you having trouble breathing?"
"Did you hit your head?"
"Has this ever happened to you before?"
Maybe they know what happened.
People can have medical issues that cause them to faint or almost faint. There are many situations that can lead to someone passing out. Hot weather, dehydration, standing too long, emotional duress, pain etc.
Try to not jump to a conclusion.
Just because they are at a outside event in the sun doesn't mean they passed out because they were dehydrated.
Just because they tell you "oh I do this sometimes" doesn't mean this time wasn't harmful.
Learn as much as you can. And go from there.
Let them have some privacy.
Not as much of a medical thing but I think its super important.
When someone passes out in public people flock to them.
Within seconds that person has woke up to 8 people surrounding them. Asking them questions. Touching them. And someone deciding if they need to call an ambulance.
How would you feel waking up to that.
If they aren't helping allow that person some privacy.
One or two people can help them. The rest can step back.
If your at an event it's also a good idea to have a area that's more private. To take that person when it's safe to move them.
Don't make it a spectacle.
When should you call 911 if someone faints?
Its always best to know what your dealing with.
If they do not regain consciousness quickly, are not breathing normal, having trouble breathing. Feeling pain in their chest. Unable to speak or move properly. If they seize. Or if they got badly injured from falling. Or if they just don't seem to be getting better.
Passing out while exercising or while your on the ground can be more serious as well.
Or maybe you just look at them and know something isn't right.
Trust that instinct.
You don't have to know what it is. But know when to get more help.
What if they don't want to go to the hospital?
If they are awake and can understand what's going on around them allow them to be involved.
Let them know what your concerns are.
Allow them to choose what they want to do.
They may want EMS to take them. They may want to have someone drive them. Maybe they've done this before and have a plan in place for it.
Its not your job to make someone feel scared or force them to do what you think they should do.
Of course there are cases where someone may not be of clear mind to make that decision. Due to medical issues or impairment.
But someone doesn't lose that ability just because they fainted.
What to do if you feel like you're going to faint.
Oh and this.
Sometimes you get a heads up.
You may start to see things blur. Feel hot or break out in a sweat. Your ears may change. Feeling dizzy, nausea, weak, light headed.
Don't fight it.
Get down.
Lay down if you can. Sit down if you can't.
You aren't going to win a medal for staying up until gravity wins.
It also allows you to fall a shorter distance if you pass out.
Remember this.
You don't have to know if someone fainted because of dehydration. Heat. Low blood pressure. Something medical. Stress. Etc.
Assess what's in front of you.
Are they conscious?
Are they breathing?
Did they get hurt?
Are they getting better?
Is there anything that concerns you?
Assess the situation.
That's all we can ask of most people when it comes to first aid.
We don't expect people to diagnose others in there daily life.
But know when something is off and how to help. Or when to call for help.
Sometimes that means helping someone on the ground.
Not all emergencies need to be major.
This resource is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice, emergency medical services, or hands-on first aid training.
