Fainting

Photo: Samuli Raappana / Suomen Punainen Risti

Fainting is caused by a momentary decrease in blood flow to the brain.

The brain requires plenty of oxygen, which is supplied to it by the blood in the arteries. If the amount of blood in the brain is reduced, the person faints, or loses consciousness for a moment. Fainting can result from a drop in fluid balance, prolonged standing or extreme emotional reaction.

The following symptoms may occur leading up to a fainting episode

Rapid deterioration of the hearing, ringing in the ears
Trouble seeing, blurred vision
Nausea, dizziness
Paleness

First aid for fainting

1. Ensure that the person helped is able to wake up and breathe normally immediately after fainting.

2. Help the person to rest.

3. Check whether the person hurt themselves.

4. Monitor their condition.

Call the general emergency number 112 in an emergency.

Follow these instructions when making the emergency call

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