Fainting (Syncope):
Recognising and Responding to Fainting Episodes

Fainting, or syncope, is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. Although fainting is usually not life-threatening, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition or result in injury if the person falls. Knowing how to respond when someone faints can help prevent complications and ensure they receive appropriate care.

What is Fainting?

Fainting occurs when the brain temporarily does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, causing a loss of consciousness. This can happen due to various factors, including dehydration, standing for too long, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Most episodes are brief, lasting only a few seconds to minutes, and the person usually recovers quickly once they are lying down.

Causes of Fainting

Fainting can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lower blood volume, leading to fainting.
• Low Blood Pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure, such as when standing up quickly, can cause fainting.
• Emotional Stress: Strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, or shock can trigger a fainting episode.
• Overheating: Exposure to hot weather or standing in a warm environment for too long can lead to fainting.
• Low Blood Sugar: Skipping meals or having low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can result in fainting, particularly in people with diabetes.
• Heart Conditions: Some heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or heart valve problems, can affect blood flow and cause fainting.
• Prolonged Standing: Standing still for extended periods without moving can cause blood to pool in the legs, reducing blood flow to the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of Fainting

Fainting often occurs suddenly, but there may be warning signs that someone is about to faint, such as:

• Dizziness or Light-headedness: The person may feel weak or unsteady before losing consciousness.
• Nausea: They may feel sick to their stomach or queasy.
• Pale or Clammy Skin: The person’s skin may appear pale, cold, or clammy to the touch.
• Blurred Vision or “Tunnel Vision”: Their vision may blur or narrow before fainting.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating can be a sign that someone is about to faint.
• Ringing in the Ears: Some people experience a ringing sound or muffled hearing before losing consciousness.
• Weak Pulse: The person’s pulse may become weak or slow.

First Aid for Fainting

If you notice someone is feeling faint or if they have already fainted, follow these steps to provide first aid:

1. Help the Person to the Ground:

• If the person feels faint, encourage them to sit down or lie down before they fall. Lying flat allows blood to flow more easily to the brain.
• If they have already fainted, carefully lower them to the ground to prevent injury.

2. Lay the Person Flat:

• If the person has fainted, lay them on their back with their legs elevated slightly (about 30cm). This helps to increase blood flow to the brain.
• Loosen any tight clothing, particularly around the neck, to ensure they are comfortable and can breathe easily.

3. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness:

• Make sure the person is breathing and responsive. If they are not breathing or are unresponsive, call 999 immediately and begin CPR.
• If the person is breathing but remains unconscious for more than a minute, call 999 for emergency medical help.

4. Monitor Their Condition:

• Stay with the person until they regain consciousness. Most people wake up within a minute or two after they have fainted.
• Once they wake up, encourage them to sit up slowly and remain seated for a few minutes. They may still feel weak or light-headed, so allow them to rest before attempting to stand.

5. Offer Water or a Snack:

• If dehydration or low blood sugar caused the fainting episode, offer the person a glass of water or a sugary snack, such as fruit juice or a biscuit, once they are fully conscious and able to swallow.

6. Seek Medical Advice:

• If this is the person’s first fainting episode or if they have fainted multiple times, encourage them to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health conditions.
• Call 999 or seek emergency help if the person:
  • Remains unconscious for more than a minute.
  • Experiences chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Has a history of heart disease or fainting.

Aftercare Following a Fainting Episode

• Rest and Recover: Encourage the person to rest for a while after fainting, even if they feel better. They should avoid standing up too quickly or engaging in strenuous activity until they feel fully recovered.
• Hydrate: Ensure the person drinks plenty of water, especially if dehydration was a factor in the fainting episode.
• Monitor for Recurrence: Be aware that fainting can sometimes occur more than once, particularly if the underlying cause has not been addressed (e.g., dehydration, low blood sugar).

When to Seek Medical Help

You should call 999 or seek medical help if:

• The person does not regain consciousness within a minute or two.
• The fainting is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.
• The person has suffered a head injury or other injury from falling.
• The person has a history of heart disease or diabetes, which could complicate the fainting episode.
• The person is pregnant or has fainted multiple times without a known cause.

Prevention of Fainting

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during hot weather or physical activity, to avoid dehydration.
• Eat Regularly: Eat regular meals and snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels, particularly if you are prone to fainting from low blood sugar.
• Avoid Standing Still for Long Periods: If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight frequently and flex your leg muscles to keep blood flowing.
• Get Up Slowly: Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage stress or anxiety that may lead to fainting.

Key Points to Remember

• Lay the person flat and elevate their legs to restore blood flow to the brain.
• Check for breathing and responsiveness. Call 999 if the person is unresponsive for more than a minute or has additional concerning symptoms.
• Allow the person to rest and recover before attempting to stand or move around.
• Seek medical advice if this is the first episode or if the person has underlying health conditions.