First aid for fainting: step by step

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. A person may feel warm, nauseated, sweaty or lightheaded beforehand, then become pale and floppy. They should gradually wake, but a faint still deserves attention because dehydration, low blood sugar, anaemia or a heart rhythm problem can contribute.

First, protect yourself and the person from traffic, water and hard edges. Lay them on their back and loosen tight clothing. Check whether they respond and whether they are breathing normally. If they are breathing, raise their legs and keep the area cool. Once awake, help them turn onto their side if nausea is present, then offer small sips of water when fully alert. Do not make them stand suddenly or give food while they are drowsy. If they are not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR if trained.

Call emergency services if the person does not wake promptly, is not breathing normally, has chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new irregular heartbeat, seizure-like movements, significant bleeding or a serious injury. Urgent assessment is also needed when fainting occurs during exercise, in pregnancy, or repeatedly without a clear trigger. Arrange a medical review after a first faint, even if the person feels well.

Share the person’s position, warning symptoms, recovery time, medicines, fluid intake and any injury. Ask whether blood pressure checks, an ECG, blood tests or review for dehydration, anaemia or hypoglycaemia are needed.