Fainting

Fainting is sudden loss of consciousness. It is symptom of not enough of oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. It may occur if the heart cannot pump sufficiently and then decrease of blood flow to the brain. Usually you will see the victim may turn pale, weak and starting unconscious. This may occur on younger as well as older people.

Fainting usually is not so serious if it is caused only because of fatigue, stress, dehydration, excessive sweating, and wrong standing or sitting posture. Lying flat will automatically restore consciousness after fainting. This is partly because the victim is lying down and blood can smoothly flow without the need to against gravity.

In first aid, what should the witnesses do is:-

1. Raise the victim legs to speed up recovery by increasing blood flow to the brain.
2. Fan the victim.
3. Always remember check the patient heart beats rate for in case.
4. Put the casualty in recovery position if you are leaving the casualty alone to find help.
5. Give a glass of sugar drink after the victims awake.

References: M. H. Beers, A.J. Fletcher, T V. Jones, R. Porter, J. L. Kaplan. 2003. The Merck Manual of Medical Information 2th home edition. Merck & Co., Inc.