Expert tips on how to handle someone who has fainted

KAMPALA - There are so many reasons why people faint and one of them is low blood circulation to the brain. It is therefore important to know what to do to resuscitate such a person. An expert shares tips on how to handle the patient

First, position the person on his or her back, Dr. Cephas Ntwali of St. Mary's family clinic says. This will increase blood circulation to the brain and the rest of the body.

He advises that if there are no injuries and the person is breathing, then raise the person's legs above the heart level about 30 centimeters, to allow blood travel very fast to the rest of the body parts.

Dr. Ntwali says that tight and other constrictive clothing on the person should be loosened to allow the person to have fresh air, and recover very first.

 
"Belts, collars, and very tight clothing like neckties should be loosened," he says.

You should also avoid overcrowding, to allow the person to receive fresh air but on occasions where the crowding is unavoidable, then fan the person.

However, if one has suffered a seizure, something like a spoon should be put in his mouth so that he does not bite his tongue.

Dr.Ntwali says a medic should be called to examine the person who has fainted so that he can ascertain the cause of fainting, and also to give him further treatment.

When a person has recovered, make him lie on the side and fold one leg above the other one that is not folded. This should be done to give the patient time to rest, Ntwali explains.

He advises that those who are obese or have a history of obesity should do brisk walking to avoid fainting while trying to run.