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Tag: recovery position

  • Fainting First Aid — Loss of Consciousness Guide (2026)

    Call 112 immediately if: The person does not regain consciousness within 1–2 minutes, is not breathing normally, has a seizure, or injured themselves in the fall.

    Fainting is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness caused by temporarily reduced blood flow to the brain. It is usually harmless but the fall itself can cause injury. Act correctly to protect the person until they recover.

    Warning Signs Before Fainting

    • Sudden pallor (face goes very pale)
    • Cold sweat or clammy skin
    • Nausea
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Blurred or narrowing vision
    • Ringing in the ears
    If someone is about to faint
    1
    Lower them safely
    Help them sit or lie down immediately to prevent a fall injury.
    2
    Lay flat on their back
    Help them lie flat on the floor.
    3
    Raise their legs
    Lift legs about 30cm off the ground to improve blood flow to the brain. Hold for 2 minutes.
    4
    Loosen tight clothing
    Loosen any tight collar, tie, or clothing around the neck and waist.

    If the Person Has Already Fainted

    Respond in this order
    1
    Check responsiveness
    Gently tap shoulders and call their name loudly.
    2
    Check breathing
    Tilt head back and lift chin. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.
    3
    If breathing — recovery position
    Roll onto their side. This keeps the airway open and prevents choking if they vomit.
    4
    If not breathing normally — CPR and 112
    Begin CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue until emergency services arrive.

    Recovery Position

    1. Kneel beside the person
    2. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle, elbow bent, palm up
    3. Bring the far arm across chest, hold hand against near cheek
    4. Pull up the far knee so the foot is flat on the floor
    5. Roll toward you using the bent knee as a lever
    6. Adjust top leg so hip and knee are at right angles
    7. Tilt head back gently to keep airway open

    When the Person Regains Consciousness

    • Keep lying down for 10–15 minutes before sitting up slowly
    • Offer water if fully alert
    • Note any head injury from the fall
    • Seek medical assessment if it is a first episode or cause is unknown
    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: December 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.