Fainting is a fairly benign condition also known as passing out or syncope. Simply put, fainting is a temporary state of very low blood pressure brought about by the dilation of the blood vessels. As the vessels dilate, the blood no longer fills them and blood pressure drops. Because the brain does not get adequate blood flow, fainting occurs. In other words, fainting is the brain's way of telling you to lie down.

People faint for a variety of reasons such as stress, too much heat or too little food. The overwhelming majority of people pass out due to something they see. Blood, trauma 8. needles are most often the culprits. A patient who is about to faint will suffer a sympathetic response. Their skin will become pale and sweaty and they may complain of a buzzing or ringing in their eats

Treatment for this phenomenon is easy. Simply lay the patient down, elevate their legs, treat any injuries that may have occurred when they fainted, monitor their airway, and in a couple of minutes, they should come around. If they don't, call 911. IF you need to leave the patient for any reason you should protect their airway by placing them in the recovery position with their legs elevated. Once they are alert, your patient will want to get up. Encourage them to remain lying down for about 10 more minutes to get their blood pressure to a normal level. Allow your patient to get up slowly and remain close for assistance. The most common after effect of syncope is embarrassment, so be sensitive to the patient's feelings.