Fainting

Fainting: Home Care & Treatment

If you have a history of fainting and have been evaluated medically, follow your doctor's instructions for how to prevent fainting episodes. For example, if you know the situations that cause you to faint, these should be avoided or changed. Avoid sudden changes in posture. Get up from a lying or seated position slowly and gradually. When having blood drawn (if this makes you faint), tell the technician and make sure that you are lying down.

Immediate treatment for fainting includes:

• Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (pulse). If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR and call your local emergency number (usually 911).
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Keep the affected person lying down for at least 10 to 15 minutes, preferably in a cool and quiet space. If the person cannot lie down, have him sit forward and lower his head below the levels of the shoulders, between the knees.
• If the person has vomited, turn him or her to one side to prevent choking
• Elevate the feet above the level of the heart (about 12 inches).