Medical
Fainting (Syncope)
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness from reduced blood flow to the brain. Lay the person flat, raise their legs above heart level, and look for an underlying cause if recovery is slow.
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness from reduced blood flow to the brain. Lay the person flat, raise their legs above heart level, and look for an underlying cause if recovery is slow.
Signs
- Sudden brief loss of consciousness
- Pale, sweaty, cold skin
- Slow pulse
- Quick recovery (usually within a minute or two)
What to do
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Lay the person flat and raise their legs above heart level (about 30 cm) to restore blood flow to the brain.
- Loosen tight clothing and ensure fresh air.
- Check for and treat any injuries from the fall.
- As they recover, reassure them and let them sit up slowly.
- If not recovered within 2 minutes, call 000.
- If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position.
When fainting is a warning sign
Seek medical advice if fainting happens during exertion, with chest pain or palpitations, repeatedly, or in someone over 50 — it can be a sign of a heart problem or stroke.
Questions & answers
What should I do as someone faints?
Lay them flat and raise their legs about 30 cm to restore blood flow to the brain. Loosen tight clothing and ensure fresh air.
How long should recovery take?
Most people recover within 1–2 minutes. If they don't, treat as unconscious — place in the recovery position and Call 000.
When is fainting a warning sign?
Fainting during exercise, with chest pain or palpitations, repeated fainting, or fainting in someone over 50 — see a doctor to rule out heart problems.
Related topics
Shock (Hypovolaemic / Circulatory)
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
Recovery Position
The recovery position protects the airway of an unconscious person who is breathing normally by keeping them on their side so the tongue cannot block the throat and fluids can drain.
Dehydration
Move the person to a cool place and let them sip water or an oral rehydration solution slowly. Severe dehydration — confusion, no urine output, rapid pulse — needs an ambulance.
Diabetic Emergencies
If a person with diabetes is confused, sweaty or unwell, assume low blood sugar (hypo) and give sugary food or drink if they can swallow. Call 000 if they do not improve, lose consciousness, or seem severely dehydrated.
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