First aid for a fainting

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:  

You are a university teacher. During a practical lesson, a 20-year-old student began to complain of dizziness and lost consciousness. She was picked up and carefully placed on the floor. Her eyes are closed, her face is pale. Provide first aid.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• simulator;
• first aid kit;
• device for measuring blood pressure.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Place the person in a supine position.
• Loosen tight clothing to reduce constriction at the neck, chest, and waist.
• Kneel down, raise her legs, supporting his ankles on your shoulders.

• Watch her face for signs of recovery.
• Make sure that the casualty has plenty of fresh air; ask someone to open a window if you are indoors. In addition, ask any bystanders to stand clear.
• Use an ammonia solution from a first aid kit.
  • ask an assistant to take an ammonia solution 1 ml in ampule or medical pad for stimulating breathing from the first aid kit and bring you the medicine;
  • break the neck of the ampoule or open the pad package;
  • hold the ampoule or pad to the person's nose and allow the person to inhale ammonia vapor for 1 second.
• As the casualty recovers, reassure him and help him sit up gradually.
• Give the casualty water (tea with sugar).
• Check her pulse and blood pressure to be sure of her full recovery.
• Observe the person them closely for changes in their level of response or breathing.
• If possible, try to establish why they feel faint and whether there is anything further you can do to
• A person who faints should become responsive again very quickly. If the person is unresponsive, check their breathing and provide first aid accordingly.
• Teach the person what to do if he is feeling faint:
  • Explain to the person that after the first episode, the person should try to recognize the signs of fainting as early as possible.
  • In that way, in the future, he can quickly get into a comfortable and safe position and consider using counterpressure maneuvers:
    • Squatting (have the person squat) or leg tensing (have the person cross their legs and tense the leg, abdominal and buttock muscles);
    • If squatting or leg tensing are not possible, arm tensing may be used (have the person tense and release their arm muscles by gripping one hand with the other and pulling their arms in opposite directions).