Help, Someone Has Fainted 

What to do if you are caught in such situtations.

Fainting Spells

At Bishan MRT station recently, a man fainted and fell on the tracks. Fortunately a quick-thinking passer-by was able to stop the train and save his life. What causes fainting spells and what can you do if someone near you faints?

Possible Causes

People joke all the time about feeling faint, especially when they hear something unpleasant. But, the reality is that fainting spells are an indication of a medical problem and not to be taken lightly. Fainting can happen if your stomach is empty, that is, if your body is going through a sudden drop in sugar level. It can also happen because of a medication that you’re taking. A sudden drop in blood pressure is another key reason for fainting spells as it causes a lack of oxygen to the head.

Sometimes people faint after blood is drawn or after certain simple bodily processes where exertion is required such as urination, defecating, or coughing. A reflex of the involuntary nervous system causes such actions to slow the heart rate and dilates blood vessels in the legs, thus lowering blood pressure. If you’re in a place where someone has suddenly fainted, don’t panic or try to run away. Do what you can to help.

Five Things To Do

• Don’t let the person fall, try to offer support.
• Let him/her lie down with his/her head below the level of his/her heart and the legs.
• Don’t try to prop him/her up on a pillow.
• There is a danger that he/she may choke if his/her tongue blocks the throat.
• Place the victim’s head to the side.
• Loosen any tight clothing and if available, use a moist towel on his/her face and neck.
• Keep him/her warm.
• Don’t give him/her anything to drink and don’t try to revive him/her by slapping or shaking him/her.