Syncope

Syncope, or fainting, is the complete or partial loss of consciousness due to decreased circulation to the brain. This can be simple fainting or can be a symptom of a serious medical problem. Simple fainting may be due to a reaction to blood draw, due to the patient not having eaten, or low blood pressure. The patient may complain of feeling weak and dizzy prior to fainting. They may appear to be pale or diaphoretic. The patient may be aware that they are going to faint or may collapse suddenly without warning. First aid measures for fainting include the following.

1. Assist the patient to lie down if she says she is feeling faint. If she falls to the floor, do not move her until she has been checked for injury.
2. Apply a cold cloth to the face or use spirits of ammonia to stimulate consciousness.
3. Assess the CAB to make sure that the patient has adequate airway and circulation. Monitor the patient’s vital signs for any abnormality. Assess level of consciousness. Make notations of these facts for the patient record.
4. Elevate the legs to a higher position than the head if there has been no fall or injury. Make sure that the patient remains in a quiet place for a period of time and keep her warm. Report to the physician if he or she is in the office or seek a nearby physician if available.
5. If the person has a prolonged period of loss of consciousness, repeated episode of syncope, or a physician is not available, call for assistance and transport the patient to a hospital for an evaluation. The episode of syncope may be a symptom of a more serious problem.