Here’s How To Administer First Aid When Somebody Faints
Throughout the course of our lives we have encountered fainting at least once. Most fainting episodes are brief and the person comes to consciousness within a couple of minutes. However watching another person lose consciousness can be terrifying.
Before addressing the victims we need to know the common causes of fainting. There can be a number of factors including stress, exposure to heat, dehydration, exhaustion, low blood pressure and a combination of one or more of these.
More often than realized, fainting results from the lack of oxygen flow to the brain, which can be dangerous if a person does not regain consciousness within a few minutes. So a preliminary knowledge of what should be done to a help an unconscious person is extremely important.
Here are a few small steps and home remedies which can be followed to help a person regain consciousness quickly.
1. Preliminary steps
- When you see a person faint it is important not to panic. Try to catch the person before he or she hits the ground and help her lie down slowly. Many a times, people incur internal injuries from a hard fall.
- Check ABCs- Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.
2. Help them lie down
Posture is very important when laying an unconscious person down.
- First lay the person down on her back. This brings the heart and brain on almost the same plane and helps people recover faster.
- Place him/her on her side and tilt their head slightly backwards by lifting their chin so as to clear their airway. This is called the recovery position and is recommended when a person fails to regain consciousness even after 2 minutes.
3. The Don’ts-
- Avoid triggers like hot and crowded areas.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Avoid immediate emotional stress.
- Do not let the person eat or drink anything immediately.
4. Ginger
This works like magic for people who are feeling delirious and feeble. You can use a mixture of finely ground pippali, black pepper and ginger and apply this mixture on the nostrils in minute amounts. This has also shown to trigger fast recovery in people prone to fainting from high stress.
5. Onion
It has been believed for centuries that pungent smells help in recovery from unconsciousness. So onion has been hailed as an infallible home cure for fainting. You can simply cut a big onion in half and position it directly under the nostrils of the patient. Using a paste of onions works too. It is the smell that works like a charm.
6. Gingko
This has been trusted upon by the people of the orient to enhance blood circulation to the brain. For people who are prone to bouts of fainting from low blood pressure and stress, consumption of 40 to 80 grams of gingko three times a day is recommended. This also works as an excellent memory booster. However it has adverse interactions with anti-depressants, blood pressure control drugs, blood thinners and anti-consultants.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
A solution of 2 tables spoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 table spoons of honey and 8oz of water acts as an excellent cure for frequent fainting spells. Anyone can drink this mix daily to keep their airways completely unblocked.
8. Wine vinegar
A tea made by brewing three cups of wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of mint and rosemary together helps to prevent recurrent episodes of fainting. The aroma prevents any forms of nausea, and relaxes the nerves which keep the person alert.
9. Basil Tea
You can take 3 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves in 8 oz of water and bring it to a boil for about 15 to 20 minutes. This has been proven to be extremely beneficial for all who are struggling with frequent fainting fits.
10. Peppermint oil
Nature has endowed peppermint with scores of antispasmodic compounds which help in relaxing tense nerves. The strong but refreshing smell acts as an added stimulant for all victims who immediately respond to it. All you need to do is put 3-4 drops of peppermint oil on a handkerchief and hold it under the victim’s nose until he or she wakes up.
11. Smelling salts
This is a wonderful quick remedy for everyone who suffers from fainting spells. Using smelling salts has no side effects and they react with no medication. So they are recommended for all ages. The ammonia content of the salt jolts the blood flow in blood vessels; this revives an unconscious individual in a few seconds maximum.
12. Ear pulling
An age old practice which can be administered to kids as well for the quickest revival. Ear pulling stabilizes the pressure inside the internal ears which is very crucial for maintaining balance. All you need to do is to insert your index finger inside the ear and tug downward, upward and then forward.
13. Increase sugar level if the person has diabetes
This is possibly the only case where doctors recommend giving fruit juice to a victim. For people with diabetes, the most common cause of fainting is the sudden fall of blood sugar level which can be extremely deleterious if the sugar levels are not pumped up immediately. After revival definitely call a doctor.
14. Melissa
Melissa is a wonderful herb which soothes nerves and prevents further fainting episodes caused by nervous breakdown.
Read Here – 18 Natural Home Remedies for Dizziness