A temporary loss of consciousness, commonly called “passing out,” is medically known as syncope. This brief episode occurs when blood flow to the brain is momentarily reduced, causing the individual to lose posture and awareness. While syncope is often harmless, a bystander’s immediate response is important for safety and recovery. Knowing the correct first-aid steps ensures proper care and helps determine if a more serious medical event is occurring.
Prioritizing Safety and Assessing Responsiveness
The initial action upon finding an unconscious person is to ensure the environment is safe and free of hazards. Once the area is secure, quickly check for responsiveness by gently tapping the person’s shoulder and speaking loudly, asking if they are okay. This immediate assessment should take no more than 10 seconds.
A person who has truly passed out will not respond to these stimuli. If there is no response, check for normal breathing by looking for the rise and fall of the chest and listening for breath sounds. If the person is breathing but remains unconscious, position them on their back, unless a fall suggests a head or spinal injury. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally—or is only gasping—call emergency services immediately and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Promoting Recovery and Encouraging Consciousness
Once safety and breathing are confirmed, help restore adequate blood flow to the brain, which caused the syncope. Position the person on their back with their legs elevated approximately 6 to 12 inches above the heart level. This helps gravity return blood from the lower extremities to the central circulation.
This action increases the volume of blood available to the brain, quickly reversing the temporary lack of oxygen. While the legs are elevated, loosen any restrictive clothing, such as a collar, tie, or belt, to ensure unimpeded circulation and easy breathing. Providing fresh air, perhaps by opening a window, can also assist recovery.
The person should be carefully monitored until they regain full consciousness, which usually happens within a minute or two. After they wake up, encourage them to remain lying down for at least 10 to 15 minutes to prevent a rapid recurrence. When they are ready to sit up, they should do so slowly and remain seated for a few minutes before attempting to stand.
Once they are fully alert and can swallow, offering small sips of water can aid in rehydration. However, nothing should be given by mouth while they are still unconscious.
Recognizing When Emergency Medical Care is Necessary
While many fainting episodes resolve quickly, certain signs indicate the need for immediate professional medical attention. If the person fails to regain consciousness within one minute, emergency medical services must be contacted without delay.
A call to emergency services is also warranted if the person is not breathing or has an abnormal pulse, suggesting a serious cardiac event. Any significant injury resulting from the fall, particularly head trauma, warrants an immediate emergency response.
The decision to call for help should also be based on accompanying symptoms or pre-existing conditions. Indicators of a medical emergency include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Slurred speech
- A seizure accompanying the loss of consciousness
If the individual has a known history of heart disease or diabetes, or if they are over the age of 50, treat the fainting spell with greater caution. Professional medical advice should be sought in these cases. When speaking with the emergency operator, provide a clear description of the person’s current condition and the circumstances surrounding the passing out.