Fainting is caused by a sudden loss of oxygen to the brain. Fainting may occur from seeing blood, being anemic, having low blood pressure, or not eating.
If a person has fainted, a rescuer should check the victim's breathing, lay the victim down on their back, raise the legs, and loosen any constrictive clothing. If the victim does not regain responsiveness soon, the rescuer should call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency contact. The rescuer should also call if the victim faints repeatedly, is pregnant, is an older adult, or has heart disease.
