How to Faint Safely

Pay attention to dizziness. You might feel lightheaded or dizzy before fainting. This is a strong warning sign that your circulatory system isn't functioning normally. As soon as you begin to feel dizzy, stop what you're doing and try to lower yourself to the ground by sitting or lying down.

Be aware of changes in vision and hearing. Your senses will likely be affected within moments before fainting. You may experience a "tunnel vision" effect or a feeling that your sight is narrowing down to a small tunnel. You might also see dark spots or blurry images. Your ears may start to ring or produce a faint buzzing sound.

• Other common symptoms include a pale face, cold sweat, numbness on the face and limbs, severe anxiety, or sudden nausea or stomach pain.

Sit or lie down immediately. When you notice any signs that you're about to faint, the first thing you should do is lower your body as quickly as possible. Many injuries occur not from fainting itself but from falling while unconscious. It’s best to lie on your back or on your side, but if that’s not possible, simply sit down.

• When lying down, your head will be level with your heart. This position makes it easier for blood circulation to the brain. If you're pregnant, lie on your side to reduce pressure on the heart (and do this when sleeping too).
• If you're in a crowded place and can only sit, do so. It's best to rest your head between your knees to allow gravity to help blood flow to your brain.

Find a safe space for yourself. If you're in a crowd, try to move toward a wall and lean against it slowly. If needed, you can gently slide down the wall and sit down. This helps prevent being trampled when you collapse. Leaving the crowd will also help you cool down and breathe more easily.

Try to fall against a wall. If it’s too late to actively lie down, you should try to control your fall as much as possible. When you start to lose consciousness, try to lean toward a wall if one is within reach. This way, you can slide down the wall without falling freely.

• You could also attempt to bend your knees. This position helps lower your body and reduce the height of your fall.

Be extra careful on stairs. If you start feeling symptoms while on stairs, move from the inner side of the handrail to the outer side, near the wall, and sit down on a step. If you’re close to a landing, try to descend quickly to find a place to lie down.

• If you feel like you might faint before sitting down, do your best to grip the handrail tightly. This could help you slide down the stairs along the handrail even if you lose consciousness. If that’s not possible, lean against the outer handrail (near the wall) to prevent a sudden fall and slide down gently.

Ask someone for help. Call out for assistance. If you're unable to shout loudly, raise your hand and wave, while continuously mouthing the word 'help.' Be cautious when attempting to approach someone for help as you might lose your balance along the way.

• If you spot someone, try saying 'Help, I think I’m going to faint!' or 'Can you help me? I’m about to faint.' Don’t hesitate to ask a stranger for help if they can assist you safely.
• If you are fortunate enough for someone to arrive, they will help you lie down if you haven’t managed to do so. In case you fall and get injured, they might apply pressure to the bleeding wound and call for emergency help.
• The person helping you may also assist in removing tight clothing that restricts blood flow to your head, such as a tie. They need to ensure that your airway is clear. You may be turned on your side if you begin to vomit. The helper can also check your breathing even if you have lost consciousness. If there are any worrying signs, they will quickly call for medical assistance and wait for help to arrive.

Stay lying down for a while. Do not rush to stand up immediately after regaining consciousness. Your body and mind need time to recover. It’s advisable to remain still for at least 10-15 minutes. If you sit up too quickly, there’s a risk of fainting again.

Elevate your legs, if possible. Simple fainting episodes can often be resolved by quickly elevating the legs and feet of the person affected. While lying on the floor, look around to see if it’s possible to lift your feet. If you can raise them higher than your head, that’s ideal, but even a slight elevation can help. When lying down, check if you (or the person assisting you) can roll up a jacket to place under your feet. This will improve blood circulation to the head and aid in a faster recovery.

Take a deep breath. While waiting to stand up, take slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill with air, then exhale slowly through your mouth. If you are in a hot or stuffy environment, be extra cautious with your breathing until you’re able to safely stand and move to a cooler area.

Drink plenty of fluids. One possible reason for fainting is dehydration. To prevent future fainting episodes, be sure to hydrate well after standing up and throughout the day. Be cautious about consuming alcohol after a fainting spell, as it will only exacerbate dehydration and lead to further complications.

Eat several small meals throughout the day. Eating multiple smaller meals and avoiding skipping meals can help prevent fainting. Try to eat 5-6 small meals daily instead of 2-3 larger meals.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of fainting, so it’s best to steer clear of it if you are prone to fainting. If you do choose to drink, ensure that you limit yourself to no more than one glass a day for women of any age and men over 65, and no more than two glasses a day for men under 65.

Check the medications you're taking. Some medications can cause dizziness and fainting. Consult your doctor about any medications that may cause these symptoms. Certain blood pressure medications should even be taken only before bedtime to prevent fainting.

Slow down throughout the day. Your body needs time to recover and rest after a fainting episode. Remember to move slowly and cautiously. It's best to avoid any physical activities for the next 24 hours. Try to reduce stress by postponing important tasks until the next day.

• Do things that can help you relax, like going home for a soothing bubble bath or sitting on the couch watching a sports game.

Call emergency services if necessary. If upon waking up, you still experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, you or your helper should immediately call for an ambulance. These signs could indicate a more serious health issue that needs to be checked in the hospital.

Consult with your doctor. Whether this is your first fainting episode or just one of many, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss what happened. The doctor will determine if further treatment is necessary and this will help ease your concerns. They may also advise you to be aware of other warning signs aside from fainting, such as excessive thirst.

• Your doctor may order tests like blood glucose tests, a routine test for anemia and nutrition levels, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart issues. These tests are standard diagnostic tools.
• Your doctor may also set activity restrictions until the cause of the fainting is treated and stabilized. This may include limiting driving and avoiding the operation of heavy or complex machinery.
• A brief description or note from someone who witnessed your fainting episode can be helpful to bring with you to your doctor. After all, you were unconscious for a period of time, and the witness will help “fill in the blanks” of what happened to you.

Take preventive medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat and prevent future fainting episodes. These medications typically target the underlying causes of fainting. For example, corticosteroids are a type of medication that helps enhance hydration by increasing sodium levels.

• Follow all medication instructions precisely; otherwise, your fainting episodes may worsen over time.

Stay hydrated and avoid going hungry. This is helpful advice in all situations, but especially for those who have experienced fainting. Carry snacks with you that are rich in sugar and salt, such as fruit juices or nuts. This will help prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low, a common cause of fainting.

Take supplements or herbal remedies. Focus on substances that help improve blood circulation and overall heart health. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are effective in reducing inflammation and promoting better blood flow. Herbal therapies, like green tea, are also highly regarded for their anti-inflammatory properties.

• Consult thoroughly with your doctor about any herbs or supplements you plan to use to ensure they don’t interact with your current medications or cause adverse side effects.

Wear a medical ID bracelet. You may have seen these bracelets before. They are easy to get from your doctor or even order online. A medical ID tag includes your name, health conditions, emergency contact information, and known allergies. This is a great idea if you frequently faint or if you plan to travel.

Learn relaxation techniques. Fainting can also occur due to strong emotions or stress. Learn to control your body’s responses by practicing deep breathing techniques. Consider enrolling in a yoga or meditation class to learn methods that work best for you. Some even recommend hypnotherapy as a way to reduce stress and stabilize blood pressure.

Wear compression stockings. These stockings help improve blood circulation from the legs to the heart and brain. However, avoid wearing belts, clips, or any other constricting accessories that could decrease the blood flow to the heart.

Change positions slowly. Standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying down position can lead to fainting. Try to change positions gradually to prevent fainting.

• For example, sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing up.

Maintain good blood circulation. Make it a routine to occasionally stretch your leg muscles or move your toes when standing or sitting for extended periods. This helps improve blood circulation and reduces the strain on your heart. Even a gentle sway of your body while standing can provide benefits.

• You can also wear compression stockings, which are designed to stimulate blood flow from the legs to the upper body and head.

Avoid situations that may trigger fainting spells. After fainting, it’s important to consult with your doctor about any potential underlying causes. You may need to avoid things like seeing blood, or the trigger might be due to extreme heat. Standing for long periods could be problematic as well, or you might faint from being overwhelmed by fear. Once you identify the specific trigger, you can proactively avoid such situations.

• No regular tests are specifically recommended for those prone to fainting, but your doctor may request an EKG to rule out heart issues, such as arrhythmia.
• Your doctor may also suggest blood sugar tests, a complete blood count, electrolyte tests, and thyroid function tests, depending on your specific situation.
• Elevate the head of your bed while sleeping.
• Participate in exercise programs with clear objectives to improve your condition.
• If you're in school, notify your teacher so they can call the nurse for assistance.
• Fainting may occur due to sudden posture changes. Instead of standing up immediately from lying down, slide to the edge of the bed, sit for a few seconds, and then stand up.

If you start feeling faint while driving, pull over to a safe spot immediately.