Fainting or temporary loss of consciousness (Syncope) is caused due to insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain for a brief period. Some serious medical conditions can cause fainting, but it usually occurs due to dehydration, over exertion, stress or fear, long hours of standing in hot weather, certain medications, low blood sugar etc.
Here are some solutions to deal with these brief or short-lived episodes of unconsciousness and prevent injuries from occurring:
Give some water to prevent further dehydration and food to avoid loss of energy levels
Two most common reasons for fainting are low blood sugar levels and dehydration. Dehydration can result from over exposure to hot and humid climates, so, some water can be given to the person as soon as he becomes a little alert. Loss of water and salts occur in such weather conditions leading to many uncomfortable symptoms like giddiness or feeling light headed. If the person has hypoglycemia or had no food since hours or was over exerted, then food can be given to supplement those energy levels and will make them feel revived.
Do not crowd around the victim and allow the person to breathe freely
It is important to loosen the clothing, to improve blood circulation inside the body. Keep the area airy and allow more ventilation by opening the windows and doors, if the person faints in a closed environment. Avoid overcrowding and panicky situations, as the person will feel more suffocated. Allow the person to breathe in fresh air as this will cool the personâs body especially if the person has fainted due to over exposure to sun or dehydration. When the person regains his consciousness, offer him water at intervals.
Provide support or assistance instantly and prevent them from falling
Fainting occurs due to temporary loss of consciousness, so the person loses control over his senses and hence can collapse, get injured. Many people are prone to head injuries while fainting. Such people will not be in a state to realize what is happening around and cannot protect themselves. As soon as you notice, provide help by holding the person and make him lie on a flat surface with head elevated. Avoid shaking the person in an attempt to wake them and allow the person to remain in still position to avoid nausea and vomiting.
As you make the person lie down, check his breathing and pulse; usually the person should become normal after a short while. In case of doubt, elevate the personâs legs for improving the circulation, start rescue breathing and approach the emergency medical service at the earliest
Do not allow the person to get up immediately
Once the person becomes alert, suggest them to take more rest rather than standing or walking immediately. Many a times, walking immediately after the episode leads to another fall so it is important to take rest for at least an hour after the incident. Offer help, in case, they would prefer to rest in a different place. Reassure them that everything will be fine and stay calm and composed.
Use of other alternatives like peppermint oil, onion, sprinkling water etc to bring back consciousness
Peppermint oil is known for its antispasmodic property, calming effect on nerves, making it a remedy to bring back consciousness. It also has a peculiar refreshing smell which can be used to stimulate the brain, so few drops of the oil can be placed over the nose of the affected person. This is one frequently used natural remedy. Some people use the pungent smell of onion to alert the unconscious person. Gently tapping the person on the shoulder can work at times to bring back the senses.
The usual practice is to sprinkle water on the face of the person who faints, as a slight shock treatment in order to make them conscious. Cold water can be used to stimulate the nerve endings which usually stop responding when a person faints. This simple technique can be done soon after a person faints.
Frequent spells of such episodes require medical help as fainting is also a symptom of some serious disorders and other health conditions. Fainting along with epilepsy or other symptoms requires prompt medical help.
So, it is better to stay far from hot and suffocating environments, if you are especially prone to such fainting spells. It is equally important to recognize all those initial signs, so as to take necessary precautions like lying down as soon as you sense, so that you can control such situations.
