First Aid & Emergencies

Fainting Treatment

• Has blue lips or face
• An irregular or slow heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Is difficult to awaken
• Acts confused

1. Make the Person Safe

• Lay the person flat on his or her back.

• Elevate the person's legs to restore blood flow to the brain.

• Loosen tight clothing.

2. Try to Revive the Person

• Shake the person vigorously, tap briskly, or yell.

• If the person doesn't respond, call 911 immediately.

3. Do Home Care for Simple Fainting

• If the person is alert, give fruit juice, especially if the person has not eaten in more than 6 hours or has diabetes.

• Stay with the person until he or she is fully recovered.

4. Call a Health Care Provider

See a health care provider right away if the person:

• Hit his or her head when fainting

• Faints more than once in a month

• Is pregnant or has a heart condition or other serious illness

• Experiences unusual symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, or difficulty talking