Category: Health & Safety

What to Do When Someone Faints

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. The medical term is syncope.

A person who faints usually collapses, remains unconscious for a short time, and begins recovering after lying flat. Fainting can be triggered by heat, dehydration, pain, fear, prolonged standing, medication effects, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

It can also be caused by a serious heart problem, internal bleeding, low blood sugar, pregnancy complication, severe allergic reaction, or another medical emergency. Treat an unexplained loss of consciousness seriously until the person has recovered and the cause is understood.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Before fainting, a person may experience:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sudden warmth
• Sweating
• Pale or clammy skin
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Yawning
• A feeling that they are about to collapse

Some people receive several minutes of warning. Others faint suddenly without any warning.

A sudden collapse without warning, particularly during exercise or while lying down, may be more concerning for a heart-related cause.

If You Feel Like You May Faint

Do not attempt to walk to another room, drive, climb stairs, or remain standing.

Instead:

1. Lie flat on your back.
2. Raise your legs slightly when it is comfortable and safe.
3. Loosen tight clothing.
4. Remain down until the feeling passes.
5. Get up slowly and with assistance.

If you cannot lie down, sit in a stable chair and lower your head between your knees. This is less protective than lying down because you could still fall from the chair.

Call for help if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, a pounding or irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, bleeding, or another concerning symptom.

Make Sure the Scene Is Safe

Before approaching someone who has collapsed, look for hazards such as:

• Traffic
• Fire
• Electrical wires
• Broken glass
• Chemicals
• Moving machinery
• Violence
• An unstable surface

Do not place yourself in danger. Call 911 and wait for trained help if the scene is unsafe.

Check Responsiveness and Breathing

Speak loudly:

“Are you okay? Can you hear me?”

Gently tap the person’s shoulder. Do not shake them, especially if they may have injured their head, neck, or back.

Check whether the person is breathing normally.

Gasping, snorting, or occasional irregular breaths are not normal breathing.

If the person is not breathing normally:

1. Call 911.
2. Begin CPR.
3. Send someone to get an AED.
4. Use the AED as soon as it arrives.
5. Continue until the person begins breathing normally or emergency responders take over.

A collapse caused by cardiac arrest can initially look like fainting. Do not assume someone has simply fainted when they are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Helpful Resources: Browse Temperature & Basic Health Monitoring for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Position the Person Safely

If the person is breathing normally and there is no sign of a serious injury:

1. Have them remain flat on their back.
2. Raise their legs approximately 12 inches when possible.
3. Loosen tight belts, collars, ties, or restrictive clothing.
4. Keep the area cool and quiet.
5. Monitor breathing and responsiveness.

Raising the legs may help blood return toward the heart and brain.

Do not raise the legs if doing so causes pain or if the person may have an injury to the head, neck, spine, pelvis, hips, or legs.

Mayo Clinic recommends placing a person who has fainted on their back and raising the legs when there are no injuries and the person is breathing normally. Mayo Clinic: Fainting—First Aid

If the Person Vomits

If the person vomits or has blood or fluid in the mouth:

• Turn them onto their side.
• Keep the airway clear.
• Support the head and neck.
• Continue monitoring breathing.

Use extra caution when a neck or spinal injury may have occurred. Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions about moving the person.

Do not put anything inside the person’s mouth.

Call 911 if the Person Does Not Wake Promptly

A person who has experienced a simple faint usually begins regaining consciousness quickly after lying flat.

Call 911 if the person:

• Does not begin waking within approximately one minute
• Is difficult to wake
• Remains confused
• Faints again
• Is not breathing normally
• Has a seizure
• Was injured during the fall
• Has another emergency warning sign

Do not wait several minutes hoping that the person will eventually recover.

Do Not Help the Person Stand Immediately

When consciousness returns, have the person remain lying down for at least several minutes.

Ask how they feel and whether they have:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• A headache
• Neck or back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or numbness
• Vision problems
• A pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• An injury

When the person feels ready, help them sit up slowly. Allow additional time before standing.

If dizziness returns:

• Have them lie down again.
• Raise their legs when appropriate.
• Seek medical assistance.

Standing too quickly can cause another faint and an additional injury.

Call 911 for Concerning Symptoms

Call 911 when fainting occurs with:

• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing
• A rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty speaking
• Vision loss
• A severe headache
• Severe abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Vomiting blood
• Black or bloody stool
• A severe allergic reaction
• Confusion that does not resolve
• A prolonged or repeated seizure
• Pale, blue, gray, or clammy skin
• Signs of shock
• A serious injury
• Suspected poisoning or overdose

Do not drive the person when they remain dizzy, confused, weak, or medically unstable.

Fainting During Exercise

Fainting during physical exertion is more concerning than fainting after standing for a long time or seeing blood.

Call 911 when someone faints:

• While running
• During sports
• While lifting or exercising
• During strenuous work
• While swimming
• Immediately after experiencing chest symptoms or palpitations

Fainting during exertion may be associated with an abnormal heart rhythm, structural heart condition, or another serious problem.

The American Heart Association identifies fainting during exertion, fainting while lying flat, palpitations, known heart disease, and a family history of premature sudden death as important warning signs. American Heart Association: Syncope

Fainting While Lying Down

Most simple fainting episodes happen while someone is sitting or standing. A loss of consciousness while lying flat may have a different cause and needs prompt medical evaluation.

Call 911 if the person:

• Fainted without standing up
• Collapsed while resting in bed
• Had no warning symptoms
• Has known heart disease
• Experienced palpitations or chest pain
• Remains confused or weak

Fainting After an Injury

A person may faint because of pain, fear, blood loss, or a head injury.

Call 911 when fainting follows:

• A major fall
• A car crash
• A head strike
• A deep wound
• Severe bleeding
• A crushing injury
• A blow to the chest or abdomen
• A possible spinal injury

Do not move someone with a possible head, neck, back, pelvis, or upper-leg injury unless they are in immediate danger.

Control serious external bleeding with firm direct pressure while monitoring breathing.

Check for Injuries From the Fall

A person who faints may strike furniture, the floor, or another object.

Look for:

• Bleeding
• A bump or wound on the head
• Neck or back pain
• A deformed arm or leg
• Hip or groin pain
• Broken teeth
• Facial injury
• New weakness or numbness
• Difficulty moving

Do not lift someone who has severe pain, a possible fracture, or a possible spinal injury. Call 911 and keep them still.

Older adults may experience a fracture after what appears to be a minor fall.

Fainting Versus a Seizure

Fainting and seizures can sometimes look similar. Brief jerking movements may occur during a faint, particularly when the brain temporarily receives too little oxygen.

Possible signs suggesting a seizure include:

• Prolonged rhythmic jerking
• A longer period of unconsciousness
• Confusion that continues after waking
• Loss of bladder control
• A bitten tongue
• Repeated episodes without full recovery
• A known seizure disorder

During any unexplained episode:

• Protect the person from injury.
• Do not hold them down.
• Do not put anything in their mouth.
• Note when the episode begins.
• Check breathing after movements stop.
• Call 911 when the episode lasts several minutes, repeats, causes injury, or is the person’s first known seizure.

A healthcare professional may need to determine whether the event was fainting, a seizure, or another type of loss of consciousness.

Fainting and Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar may cause:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Hunger
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Unusual behavior
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If the person has diabetes and is awake and able to swallow safely, follow their prescribed low-blood-sugar plan.

Do not give food, drink, glucose gel, or medication to someone who is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow.

Call 911 for severe symptoms. If prescribed glucagon is available, use it according to the person’s emergency plan, the product instructions, and your training.

Fainting During Pregnancy

Fainting during pregnancy can result from changes in blood pressure, dehydration, low blood sugar, anemia, or other causes. It can also occur with a serious pregnancy complication.

Call 911 when fainting during pregnancy occurs with:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizure
• Injury
• Continued confusion
• Repeated fainting

If a pregnant person is unconscious but breathing, position them on their left side when it can be done safely. This may reduce pressure on major blood vessels.

Any unexplained fainting during pregnancy should be discussed promptly with a qualified healthcare professional.

Fainting and Severe Allergic Reactions

Fainting may be a sign of anaphylaxis when it occurs after exposure to a food, medication, insect sting, latex, or another allergen.

Look for:

• Hives
• Itching
• Facial or throat swelling
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Repeated vomiting
• Sudden dizziness
• A weak, rapid pulse

Use prescribed emergency epinephrine immediately and call 911. An antihistamine is not a substitute for epinephrine during anaphylaxis.

Fainting From Heat or Dehydration

Heat, heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and inadequate fluid intake may cause dizziness and fainting.

Move the person to a cooler location and loosen unnecessary clothing.

Call 911 if there is:

• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Very hot skin
• A seizure
• Severe weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to drink
• Suspected heat stroke

Do not force fluids into someone who is not fully alert.

Once the person has completely recovered and can swallow normally, small amounts of appropriate fluid may be offered if no emergency condition or fluid restriction is present.

Fainting and Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding may cause a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Possible warning signs include:

• Severe abdominal, chest, back, or pelvic pain
• A swollen or rigid abdomen
• Large or rapidly spreading bruises
• Vomiting blood
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Black or bloody stool
• Blood in the urine
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Extreme weakness

Call 911. Keep the person still and do not give food, drink, or medication.

Medication-Related Fainting

Some medications may contribute to dizziness, low blood pressure, dehydration, abnormal heart rhythm, or low blood sugar.

Possible medications include:

• Blood pressure medicines
• Diuretics, sometimes called water pills
• Heart medications
• Diabetes medications
• Sedatives
• Sleep medications
• Certain antidepressants
• Pain medication
• Drugs that interact with alcohol or other medicines

Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own.

After a fainting episode, provide the healthcare professional with:

• A complete medication list
• Dosages
• Recent medication changes
• The time each medication was taken
• Supplements and nonprescription products
• Alcohol or substance use, when relevant

Common Causes of Fainting

Possible causes include:

• Prolonged standing
• Sudden emotional distress
• Pain
• Seeing blood
• Heat
• Dehydration
• Standing up too quickly
• Low blood sugar
• Medication effects
• Coughing, urinating, or straining
• Blood loss
• Anemia
• Pregnancy
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Structural heart problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Neurological conditions

A common type called vasovagal fainting may occur after fear, pain, emotional stress, standing for a long time, or another trigger. It is often preceded by warmth, nausea, sweating, or tunnel vision.

Even when a simple cause seems likely, a first or unexplained fainting episode should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

After the Person Recovers

Once the person is fully awake:

• Have them remain lying down.
• Speak calmly.
• Ask what they remember.
• Check for injuries.
• Ask about symptoms before and after the faint.
• Do not let them drive.
• Arrange appropriate medical evaluation.
• Keep them with another responsible person.

Write down:

• What the person was doing
• Their position before fainting
• Any warning signs
• How long they were unconscious
• Whether movements occurred
• How quickly they recovered
• Any injuries
• Medications and medical conditions
• Whether chest pain, palpitations, or breathing difficulty occurred

Witness information can be extremely useful because the person may not remember the event.

When to Contact a Doctor

Arrange professional medical evaluation when:

• It was the person’s first unexplained faint.
• The person has fainted more than once.
• Episodes are becoming more frequent.
• The cause is unclear.
• Dizziness continues after recovery.
• Medication may be contributing.
• The person has heart disease.
• The person has diabetes.
• The person is pregnant.
• The person is an older adult.
• The person has a family history of sudden cardiac death.
• The episode caused an injury.
• Fainting affects driving, work, or everyday safety.

An evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, blood-pressure measurements, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. Additional heart or neurological testing may be recommended.

Preventing Another Episode

Prevention depends on the cause.

A healthcare professional may recommend:

• Drinking an appropriate amount of fluid
• Changing positions slowly
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Eating regular meals
• Reviewing medications
• Treating anemia or another medical condition
• Wearing compression garments
• Learning physical counter-pressure techniques
• Monitoring blood pressure or heart rhythm
• Avoiding known triggers
• Sitting or lying down at the first warning sign

Do not independently increase salt or fluid intake when you have heart failure, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or a prescribed fluid restriction. Ask your healthcare professional what is safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Try not to:

• Hold a fainting person upright.
• Immediately sit or stand them up.
• Shake, slap, or yell at them.
• Splash water on their face.
• Use smelling salts.
• Give food or drink before they are fully alert.
• Put anything in the mouth during jerking movements.
• Assume abnormal gasping is normal breathing.
• Move someone with a possible spinal injury.
• Let the person walk away alone.
• Allow them to drive after an unexplained faint.
• Ignore fainting during exercise or while lying down.
• Ignore chest pain, palpitations, severe pain, bleeding, or neurological symptoms.
• Assume repeated fainting is harmless.

A Simple Fainting Checklist

When someone faints:

1. Make sure the scene is safe.
2. Check responsiveness and normal breathing.
3. Call 911 and begin CPR if the person is not breathing normally.
4. If breathing normally, position them flat on their back.
5. Raise the legs when no injury makes that unsafe.
6. Loosen tight clothing.
7. Turn them onto their side if they vomit.
8. Call 911 if they do not begin waking within approximately one minute.
9. Keep them lying down after they wake.
10. Check for injuries and serious symptoms.
11. Do not give food or drink until they are fully alert and can swallow safely.
12. Arrange medical evaluation for a first, unexplained, repeated, or concerning episode.

Many fainting episodes are brief and not life-threatening, but a sudden loss of consciousness can also be the first sign of a serious condition. Check breathing, prevent another fall, and seek help when the cause is uncertain or warning signs are present.

Suggested Guides

• First Aid Basics: What Everyone Should Know
• Understanding CPR & How to Use an AED
• Recognizing Dehydration & Knowing What to Do
• Choosing Between Your Doctor, Urgent Care & the Emergency Room

Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.