What is Fainting?
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
- Explain what fainting is
- List possible causes of fainting
- Recognise signs and symptoms of fainting, and be able to tell the difference between shock and fainting
- Demonstrate appropriate treatment for fainting
- Demonstrate an appropriate attitude towards the casualty (eg. reassuring, caring, firm)
What is a fainting?
Fainting is when someone becomes unconscious for a short period of time. Fainting happens because for a short time the brain does not get enough oxygen. Someone who has fainted usually recovers very quickly.
What can cause fainting?
Fainting may result from:
- standing or sitting around for a long time, especially in a hot place
- a sudden shock
- pain
- exhaustion (being very, very tired)
- lack of food
- emotional stress (being very upset).
- Fainting may also happen in the early months of
pregnancy.
