Fainting occurs when the brain temporarily does not receive enough blood supply, leading to a brief loss of consciousness.

Fainting is usually short-lived and may not always indicate a serious medical condition. However, it can sometimes result from a more serious disorder, often involving the heart. Therefore, treat any loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the signs and symptoms subside and the underlying cause is determined. Consult your physician at a healthcare facility if fainting occurs more than once.

If you feel faint:

• Lie down or sit to reduce the risk of fainting again, and avoid standing up too soon.
• If you are sitting, place your head between your knees.

If you see someone else lose consciousness:

• Lay them on their back. If they have no injuries and are breathing, raise their legs above heart level. Loosen any tight clothing, such as belts, collars, or other restrictive garments.

To reduce the risk of fainting again, do not allow the person to stand up too soon. If the person does not regain consciousness within one minute, call emergency services.

• Check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and call emergency services. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person resumes breathing.

If the person has been injured due to a fall associated with fainting, manage any shocks, bruises, or wounds appropriately, and control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the affected area.