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People most often faint
when there isn’t enough blood flowing to the brain.
When this happens the person becomes unconscious, the unconscious
spell is usually brief. Fainting
is not life threatening, although if the person faints on a regular basis it
may be a sign of a more serious medical disorder, and should be discussed
with your doctor. If a person
feels faint (weak/lightheaded/dizzy/nauseous), have them lie down with their
feet elevated above the level of their heart (about 8-12 inches), or have
them sit with their head placed down between their knees.
Fainting may occur
because of:
- Emotional
and/or physical shock
- Dehydration
- Pain
- Overexertion
- Heart
diseases
- Sudden
changes in body position (most common in the elderly and pregnant)
- Insufficient
fluid and food intake.
When someone faints there
are many things that you need to check before beginning treatment for the
fainting. Such as…
- Was
the person injured when they fell?
(wounds)
- Is
the person showing any signs of SHOCK
- Has
the person had a recent head injury?
- Have
they fainted recently?
- Are
they pregnant?
- Are
they breathing correctly/normally?
- Do
they have a history of heart disease?
- Is
the person properly fed and hydrated?
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