Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Fainting
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  • Fainting

    If a person suddenly loses consciousness and then “comes to” after about a minute, he or she may simply have fainted. Fainting is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. Usually the cause of fainting is not serious. For example, being dehydrated (not having enough fluid in the body), being too hot, being in a crowded room or feeling intense emotion can cause a person to faint. After the person faints, the head is at the same level as the heart. This helps blood flow return to the brain and the person quickly recovers.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Lost of consciousness, then “comes to” in about a minute*
    • Pale skin or sweating*
    • Weakness or dizziness*
    • A sense they will faint; may try to sit
    • No warning at all

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment, including an AED if available. If the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    General Care: Fainting

    1. Check for responsiveness and breathing.
    2. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing (cardiac arrest), immediately begin CPR or compression-only CPR based on level of training and use an AED when available.
    3. If the person is breathing but does not respond and there are no injuries, call 9-1-1 if not already done and place them in the recovery position.
    4. If the person responds, continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    5. Keep the person from getting cold or overheated.
    6. Give care for shock, if necessary.
    7. Position the person in the recovery position.
    8. Reassure the person you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    9. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    Preventing Fainting

    1. Have the person lie down on their back.
    2. Tell the person to cross their legs and/or contract their leg muscles.
    3. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    4. Loosen any tight clothing.
    5. Keep person from getting cold or overheated.
    6. If symptoms do not improve within 1 to 2 minutes, or if symptoms reoccur or worsen, call 9-1-1 and get equipment.
    7. Reassure person you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    8. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    Help Save Lives with an American Red Cross Class

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.

    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

    Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council - a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid App

    The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for common emergencies in the palm of your hand—from the latest First Aid and CPR techniques to the nearest hospital location. Stay up to date on your lifesaving skills. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETFIRST" to 90999.

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