Civil Air Patrol Safety
The causes, symptoms, and care for someone who has fainted. Fainting is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
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Presentation Transcript
Civil Air Patrol Safety Fainting
FAINTING FAINTING IS A SUDDEN AND TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS USUALLY DUE TO A LOSS OF OXYGEN TO THE BRAIN 2
OVERVIEW To provide an update on the causes, symptoms, and care of a person who has fainted. Fainting is not normal and must be considered a medical emergency until a cause is found. 3
More causes of Fainting Excessively rapid and deep breathing (hyperventilation) Severe dehydration Heart disease (arrhythmias abnormal heart beats/rhythms) Medications (antidepressants, blood pressure meds, illicit drugs) Alcohol use Seizures Straining with a bowel movement Standing too long in one position (i.e. standing in formation) especially in warm/hot conditions 4
Symptoms of Fainting Lightheadness Dizziness/room spinning (vertigo) Pale skin coloring Vision may fade (tunnel vision) or become blurred Feeling weak, sweaty, or nauseous Falling down The person may not realize he has fallen until after he wakes up and told that he had fallen. 5
Treatment for a person who feels Faint If a person says I feel like I will faint Assist him to a sitting position and put his head between his knees OR Assist him to a lying position and elevate his feet 10 12 inches Stay with him and monitor his breathing and wakefulness He can get up when his symptoms pass Assist him to stand and make sure he is steady on his feet 6
Treatment for a person who has lost conscious Before you approach the person, make sure to survey the area to determine if it is safe to approach Check him for breathing if not breathing, give rescue breaths and check for a pulse. If no pulse, start CPR If he is breathing, loosen the clothing around his neck, elevate his feet 10 12 inches and monitor him for breathing and wakefulness Stay with him until he recovers, usually in 1 2 minutes if he has fainted Have him remain lying down for 10 15 minutes, until he recovers completely, then assist him to stand 7
When should you obtain medical assistance If the person does not regain consciousness in 1 2 minutes If he sustained an injury while falling, especially to his tongue or head If she is pregnant If he has chest pain or discomfort, chest pressure, or a history of cardiac disease If he has repeated fainting spells If he is a diabetic If he has signs of a stroke 8
