Fainting

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction of the blood supply to the brain.

Fainting may be a reaction to pain, exhaustion, lack of food, or emotional stress. It is also common after long periods of physical inactivity such as standing or sitting still especially in warm atmosphere which causes blood to pool in the legs, reducing the amount of blood reaching the brain.

For recognition:

· A brief loss of consciousness that causes casualty to fall on the floor.
· A slow pulse
· Pale, cold skin and sweating

What to do???

-Lay the casualty down, raise and support her/his legs. You may support her/his ankle on your shoulder.

-Lossen tight clothing and make sure she/he has plenty of fresh air, open windows if
necessary and ask any bystanders to stand clear.

-As she/he recovers, reassure her/him and help her/him to sit up gradually.

Raising casualty legs to improve blood flow to the brain.