What to Do If Someone Faints Next to You

Fainting is, in most cases, a one-off event without any serious underlying cause. However, some conditions may increase the risk of fainting. For example, pregnant women might faint because they become dehydrated easily, and people who’ve experienced a sudden fright or pain can also lose their consciousness for a short period of time. It is hard to tell if someone is about to faint, but some warning signs include frequent yawning, dizziness, and nausea.

We at Bright Side believe it’s important to know what you should and should not do if someone faints. And we have done some research to prepare this easy step-by-step guide you can follow. And don’t forget to check out the bonus at the end of the article.

Step 1: Make the person safe.

• Lay the person flat on their back.
• Make sure they are breathing.
• Lift their legs above the heart level to restore blood flow to the brain.
• If the person is wearing a collar, a belt, or tight clothing, loosen them.

Step 2: Try to revive the person.

• Make sure they have plenty of fresh air. Open a window or ask other people to move away.
• If they may have missed a meal, give them fruit juice, or something sweet to raise their blood sugar levels.

Step 3: Turn the person on their side.

If they are vomiting or bleeding from their mouth, roll them on their side.

Step 4: Call a health care provider.

Usually, someone who has fainted will wake up within 20 seconds. You should call a health care provider if the person:

• Faints more than once a month
• Is pregnant, has a heart condition, or has another serious illness
• Has blue lips or is blue in the face
• Hit their head when fainting

Bonus: What not to do when someone faints

You should never try to revive a person who has fainted the way they show it in the movies. For example, you should not:

• Slap or shake someone who has fainted
• Throw water on their face
• Yell at them
• Place a pillow under their head

Have you ever witnessed someone faint? What else could you add to this guide?