RV FIRST AID FOR FAINTING

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness. It strikes quickly and passes just as fast - typically within a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes. It usually occurs while you are standing.

Know that the risk for fainting increases if you are in hot, humid weather, are in a stuffy room or have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.

SIGNS:
Sense of dread, sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. You may develop rapid breathing and a fast heartbeat.

FIRST AID:
Have the person lie down with the head below the level of the heart. Raise the legs 8 to 12 inches. This promotes blood flow to the brain. If a victim who is about to faint can lie down right away, he or she may not lose consciousness.
Turn the victim's head to the side so the tongue doesn't fall back into the throat.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Apply moist towels to the person's face and neck.
Keep the victim warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

DO NOT slap or shake anyone who's just fainted.
DO NOT try to give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water, until they are fully conscious.
DO NOT allow the person who's fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness passes. Then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure he or she doesn't faint again.

SEEK CARE IF:
You have another fainting spell.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
You develop chest pain. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!
You have trouble breathing, get a really bad headache, feel dizzy, or develop a rapid heartbeat.
You have pain in your back, severe pain in your abdomen, or pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in your arms or legs.
You have a seizure.

You notice any signs of bleeding, including bloody vomit and blody or black stools.

Read about how to rescue a person who has stopped breathing with CPR.