Fainting: what to do when someone faints. First aid step by step

Someone faints: what to do, step by step

⏱ 3 min read

Feeling faint, passing out briefly. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

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First, right now

Someone turns pale, sweaty and says they feel faint? Help them sit or lie down before they fall. If there is nowhere to sit, they can cross their legs and tense their leg, stomach and arm muscles hard, or squat. This often stops the faint.
If they have fallen: lay them on their back and raise their legs, for example on a chair or a bag. Lay a pregnant woman on her side.
Check whether they are breathing normally. If not: call 112 and start CPR. If they are breathing but do not come round within a minute: put them in the recovery position and call 112.

Then

Most people come round within a few tens of seconds. Give them fresh air, loosen tight clothing and ask onlookers to step back.
When they wake up, let them lie for a few more minutes, then help them sit up slowly. Do not stand them up straight away.
Once they are fully alert, give them water and something to eat.
Check whether they hurt themselves when they fell, especially their head.
After any faint it is worth seeing a doctor to find the cause. Do not drive until then.

When to call 112

They are not breathing normally, do not come round within a minute, do not fully recover or have trouble speaking or moving, have chest pain or an irregular, pounding heartbeat, have a seizure, are seriously injured, or fainted during exercise or while lying down.

What not to do

Do not give anything to drink to someone who is unresponsive or drowsy.
Do not throw water on them or slap their face.
Do not let them get up and walk away straight away. Fainting again while standing can cause an injury.

Frequently asked questions

How can I stop myself fainting?

Sit or lie down. If you cannot, cross your legs and tense your leg, stomach and arm muscles hard, or squat. ILCOR recommends these counter-pressure manoeuvres.

Should I see a doctor after fainting?

Yes. The cause is usually harmless, such as heat, hunger or standing for a long time, but a doctor should rule out a heart problem.

When is fainting dangerous?

When someone is not breathing normally, does not wake within a minute, has chest pain, a pounding heartbeat or a seizure, or fainted during exercise. Then call 112.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

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Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.