OVERVIEW To provide an update on the causes symptoms and care of a person who has fainted Fainting is not normal and must be considered a medical emergency until a cause is found More causes of Fainting ID: 1045169
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1. FAINTINGFainting is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness usually due to a loss of oxygen to the brain
2. OVERVIEWTo provide an update on the causes, symptoms, and care of a person who has fainted.Fainting is not normal and must be considered a medical emergency until a cause is found.
3. More causes of FaintingExcessively rapid and deep breathing (hyperventilation) Severe dehydration Heart disease (arrhythmias – abnormal heart beats/rhythms)Medications (antidepressants, blood pressure meds, illicit drugs)Alcohol useSeizuresStraining with a bowel movementStanding too long in one position (i.e. standing in formation) especially in warm/hot conditions
4. Symptoms of FaintingLightheadnessDizziness/room spinning (vertigo)Pale skin coloringVision may fade (tunnel vision) or become blurredFeeling weak, sweaty, or nauseousFalling down – The person may not realize he has fallen until after he wakes up and told that he had fallen.
5. Treatment for a person who feels “Faint”If a person says “I feel like I will faint”Assist him to a sitting position and put his head between his knees ORAssist him to a lying position and elevate his feet 10 – 12 inchesStay with him and monitor his breathing and wakefulness He can get up when his symptoms passAssist him to stand and make sure he is steady on his feet
6. Treatment for a person who has lost consciousBefore you approach the person, make sure to survey the area to determine if it is safe to approach Check him for breathing – if not breathing, give rescue breaths and check for a pulse. If no pulse, start CPRIf he is breathing, loosen the clothing around his neck, elevate his feet 10 – 12 inches and monitor him for breathing and wakefulnessStay with him until he recovers, usually in 1 – 2 minutes if he has faintedHave him remain lying down for 10 – 15 minutes, until he recovers completely, then assist him to stand
7. When should you obtain medical assistanceIf the person does not regain consciousness in 1 – 2 minutesIf he sustained an injury while falling, especially to his tongue or headIf she is pregnantIf he has chest pain or discomfort, chest pressure, or a history of cardiac diseaseIf he has repeated fainting spellsIf he is a diabeticIf he has signs of a stroke