HealthInfo Canterbury
Funny turns or fainting
Fainting is when you briefly lose consciousness. This is also known as a blackout. A funny turn is a short period of light-headedness or dizziness.
If you have a fainting spell or funny turn, it's important to get yourself checked by a doctor.
Several things can cause fainting. They include:
- overheating
- standing still for a long time
- hunger
- exhaustion
- low blood pressure.
What you should do if someone is feeling faint or faints
If someone is feeling faint:
- get them to lie down or sit down
- if they're sitting down, place their head between their knees
- if they're lying down, raise their legs above the level of their heart.
If someone faints:
- lie them on their back
- raise their legs above the level of their heart
- loosen any collars, belts, or tight clothing
- make sure they have plenty of fresh air – open a window or ask bystanders to move away.
Once the person has regained consciousness:
- reassure the person
- make sure they don't stand up too early or too quickly
- advise them to see a doctor if they faint regularly.
Important
If the person doesn't wake up after one minute, phone 111 and ask for an ambulance. Then follow the advice for helping an unconscious person.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Canterbury DHB – Vasovagal syncope
More Information about the causes and treatment of vasovagal syncope (the medical term for fainting). The leaflet also suggests ways you can help yourself avoid fainting.
On the next page: Ways to prevent fainting & light-headedness
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2018.
SourceReview key: HIFTF-25276
