Person can faint anytime and anywhere. Therefore, mGiving first aid to unconscious people is not only the duty of doctors and nurses. Everyone needs to knowhow to give proper help to a fainting person, so that the initial treatment can be done right away.
Fainting occurs when the brain lacks blood supply, so the oxygen and blood sugar intake to the brain is also reduced. In fact, both are needed by the brain to function properly. As a result, there may be a temporary loss of consciousness.
Apart from the reduced flow of oxygen and blood sugar to the brain, fainting can also be caused by fatigue. Fainting can also be caused by certain medical conditions or diseases, such as:
- Hypoglycemia.
- Heart problems, such as heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) and heart failure.
- Panic attack.
- Electrolyte disturbance.
- A drastic drop in blood pressure, for example due to orthostatic hypotension or dehydration.
- altitude sickness (aaltitude sickness)
Other Symptoms to Watch Out for When Someone Fainted
Fainting can be experienced by anyone and at any time. For example, when the body is too tired, eating late, changing body position too quickly, or when jostling in public transportation.
This condition can trigger a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, so that blood supply to the brain is reduced and results in decreased consciousness.
Fainting that isn't caused by a serious medical condition is usually harmless and the sufferer will recover on his own after some time. However, fainting needs to be watched out for if it is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or not breathing spontaneously breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blue lips
- Pale and cold skin
- Seizures
- Looks confused
- Headache
- Fainted after suffering a head injury
A person who experiences fainting accompanied by some of the above needs to get medical help immediately and be taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
Step-LSteps to Do for a Fainted Person
Treatment for fainting people actually depends on the cause. However, there is a general way that can be done as first aid in people who faint (before the person is helped by doctors at the hospital).
The following are appropriate steps to help a person who has fainted:
- Move the unconscious person to a safe and comfortable location. For example, if you faint on the road, try moving the person to the side of the road. If the fainting is caused by the heat, move the person to a more shady area and make sure he gets some fresh air.
- Ask others for help to contact the nearest ambulance or hospital.
- Check the condition of the unconscious person, call the person and see if he or she can respond or answer the call. Also, pay attention to whether the person can breathe and there is a pulse in his neck.
- Position on your back and raise your legs about 30 cm higher than your chest. This action aims to restore blood flow back to the brain. People who faint in a seat are also advised to lie down on the floor or a flat surface.
- Don't forget to loosen his clothes, so he can breathe easier and more comfortably.
- When conscious, give him a sweet drink, such as sweet tea. Sugary drinks can increase blood sugar and provide the body with the energy it needs.
- If he vomits, tilt his head so he doesn't choke and the vomit doesn't hit him.
- If the person remains unconscious for several minutes, is not breathing, or has no pulse, then you will need to give artificial respiration and CPR while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
People who have regained consciousness from fainting are advised not to stand up too quickly. He needs to be seated or rest for at least 15-20 minutes, so that the fainting doesn't recur.
Ask if she's still experiencing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, headaches, weakness, or difficulty moving certain body parts.
Do not delay to immediately take him to the emergency room of the nearest hospital, if the unconscious person complains of some of the above symptoms, is pregnant, has a head injury, or shows other symptoms, such as confusion, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, fever, or seizures.
If you see directly someone who is unconscious, give first aid to the unconscious person in the ways above, while waiting for medical help to arrive.