A faint is caused by a sudden fall in blood supply to the brain, generally caused by a reflex slowing of the heart, which may be caused by emotional upset or distress. This is not serious, providing you do not injure yourself as you fall. Clinical shock, a physical response, is the result of a severe injury.

Fainting

Fainting may be caused by shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure or a reduction in the body's blood sugar level. A faint feeling - dizziness, feeling cold and clammy - may be experienced without losing consciousness. Fainting is defined as a brief loss of consciousness. There are many different causes for fainting. Fainting may be a response to a vasovagal event, which we will talk about later. Other causes can be hypovolemia, loss of body fluids, as well as loss of blood. Cardiac and neurological problems can also induce fainting.

Treatment

Lay the patient down with feet raised slightly above the body. This increases the flow of blood back to the brain. Homeopathy Aconite can help someone who faints as a result of shock. Fainting from lack of air requires Carbo veg., and Arsenicum alb is used in cases of fainting through exhaustion or cold. Acupressure Gently stimulate the acupressure point two thirds of the way up between the top lip and the nose, using your fingernail.

Bach Flower Remedies Offer a few drops of Rescue Remedy in water or apply directly onto the tongue as soon as the patient comes round.

Self-Care at Home

If possible, help the person who has fainted to the ground to minimize injury.

Stimulate the person vigorously (yelling, briskly tapping). Call 911 immediately if the person does not respond.

Check for the pulse in the neck and begin CPR, if needed.

After the person recovers, encourage him or her to lie down until medical help arrives. Even if you believe the cause of the fainting is harmless, have the person lie down for 15-20 minutes before attempting to get up again.

Shock

There are a number of reasons for someone going into clinical shock. The symptoms are similar to fainting, which is often a part of severe shock. Shock victims will look gray, pale, and clammy, and they may be incoherent.

Treatment

Put casualty in the position described for fainting. Loosen clothing to allow easy breathing, but ensure casualty is kept warm. Keep talking, offering reassurance.