Handling Fainting Spells

To faint is to lose consciousness for a short time because the blood supply to the brain is inadequate.  Usually there is a little warning before a person faints.  Dizziness and seeing dark spots before the eyes often precede a fainting spell.

One common cause of fainting is moving from a sitting or lying position too quickly.   If this happens frequently you should check with a doctor to eliminate any serious circulatory problems.  This cause of fainting is common in the elderly and they should be encouraged to rise from seated or prone positions cautiously.

Emotional shocks like the sight of blood can also cause fainting.  Skipping meals may leave you open to a fainting spell. Dehydration can cause faintness and should be avoided.  The faintness that accompanies heat exhaustion can be quite serious.  If a person, especially an elderly person, faints on a very hot day and is not sweating call 911 for emergency help.

Prevent a Fainting Spell

At the first signs of faintness, get the person to sit down and place their head between their knees.  This allows blood to flow freely to the brain and prevent a fainting spell. You can also encourage a person who feels faint to lie down and put their legs slightly higher than their head.  In either case, make sure the person does not get up too quickly.

In the Victorian era, ladies carried smelling salts and had “fainting couches” to lie upon.  If you often feel faint, you can carry a small bottle of sharp-smelling essential oil like eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary to sniff to revive yourself.

Fainting can be a symptom of a serious medical problem.  If you feel faint frequently you may have a circulatory or other medical condition that requires a doctor’s care.

Fainting First Aid

Make sure the person is breathing and uninjured.  Loosen any tight clothing or belts and place the person on his back.  Raise his legs slightly above his heart.  Make sure his airways are clear and watch out for vomiting.  If there is no movement or breathing, begin CPR and have someone call 911.  If the person does not regain consciousness after a minute, call 911 for emergency help.