Fainting
Lie them flat and raise their legs. Starter text to review by a health worker.
What to do
- If someone feels faint: help them lie down and raise their legs. If they cannot lie down, let them sit with their head between their knees. Give a little water.
- If someone has fainted: gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly if they are all right. If there is no answer, shout for help, tilt the head back and lift the chin.
- Check breathing for at least 10 seconds.
- If they are breathing normally: lay them on their back and raise their legs. A woman who is pregnant (especially after 28 weeks) should be laid on her side instead.
- Most people wake up within about 30 seconds. Let them rest before getting up slowly.
Call 999 or 112 now if
- They are not breathing (start CPR if you know how).
- They cannot be woken within 1 minute.
- They have chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, trouble speaking or moving.
- They were shaking or jerking (it may have been a seizure), hurt themselves, or fainted while exercising or lying down.
Do not
- Do not give food or drink to someone who is not fully awake.
- Do not let them drive themselves to hospital.
Sources
Written in our own words from these sources. Learn first aid properly with the Kenya Red Cross.