Here is a complete, step-by-step guide for syncope first aid:
First Aid for Syncope (மயக்கம்) - Step by Step
🔴 IF THE PERSON IS ALREADY ON THE GROUND (Already fainted)
Step 1 - Check for danger
Make sure the area is safe. Don't move the person if you suspect a head, spine, or leg injury from the fall.
Step 2 - Lay them flat on their back (Supine position)
Place them on a flat surface. Do NOT prop them in a chair or sitting position - gravity will make it worse and the faint will last longer.
Step 3 - Raise the legs 30-60 degrees
Elevate both legs above heart level using a pillow, folded clothing, or a bag. This is called the
"shock position" - it pushes blood back toward the brain quickly.
(Source: Mayo Clinic first aid guidelines)
Step 4 - Loosen tight clothing
Loosen collars, ties, belts, or bras - anything restricting the neck or chest.
Step 5 - Check breathing and pulse
Is the person breathing? Do they respond to touch or voice? If there are no vital signs - start CPR immediately and call emergency services (108 in India / 112).
Step 6 - Ensure fresh air
Open windows, turn on a fan, or move to a shaded area. Keep bystanders back to avoid crowding.
Step 7 - Recovery position if vomiting
If the person starts to vomit, gently roll them onto their side (recovery position) to prevent choking/aspiration.
🟡 IF THE PERSON FEELS FAINT (Pre-syncope - before they fall)
Use
Physical Counter-Pressure Maneuvers (PCMs) - recommended by the
2024 AHA/Red Cross guidelines:
- Leg crossing + tensing thigh muscles while standing
- Squatting down immediately
- Hand grip - tightly grip an object or squeeze fists
- Sit or lie down as quickly as possible
These maneuvers squeeze blood from leg veins back into circulation and can abort the faint.
🟢 AFTER RECOVERY (Person regains consciousness)
- Keep them lying down for at least 10-15 minutes - do NOT let them stand up too fast
- Help them sit up slowly, then stand gradually
- Offer small sips of water once fully conscious
- Check for injuries from the fall (head wounds, cuts)
- Ask what they were doing before - was there pain, emotional stress, prolonged standing, dehydration?
❌ WHAT NOT TO DO (Common mistakes)
| Wrong Action | Why it's dangerous |
|---|
| Sit them on a chair immediately | Worsens brain blood flow; risk of second faint |
| Pour water on their face | Can cause hypothermia; no proven benefit |
| Use cologne/ammonia under the nose | Can cause airway irritation and bronchospasm |
| Give food/water while unconscious | Risk of aspiration pneumonia - can be fatal |
| Slap their face | No benefit; causes harm |
🚨 Call Emergency Services (108/112) if:
- Person does not regain consciousness within 1-2 minutes
- Chest pain or palpitations before fainting
- No pulse or not breathing (start CPR)
- Fainted during exercise
- Known heart disease
- Pregnant woman
- Elderly person (age > 65)
- Seizure-like movements during the episode
- Head injury from the fall
(Source: Pye's Surgical Handicraft; Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice)
Bottom line: Most simple fainting (vasovagal syncope) resolves quickly with the flat + legs elevated position. The key is NOT rushing them back upright, and always ruling out a cardiac cause if it happens repeatedly.