Feeling Faint: What to Do Before Someone Falls

Fainting is often brief. The injury caused by falling can last much longer. Fortunately, many people experience a short warning period before losing consciousness.

Recognize the warning signs

Common presyncope symptoms can include lightheadedness, dizziness, tunnel or blurry vision, nausea, warmth, sweating, pallor, and weakness.

Get into a safe position

If someone feels faint, help them sit or lie down before they fall. The 2024 American Heart Association / American Red Cross first-aid guidelines make safe positioning the first priority for suspected presyncope.

Do not assume every faint is harmless

Fainting can have many causes. Some are relatively benign, but others may involve dehydration, bleeding, heart problems, stroke, or another serious condition.

Know when to call for help

If symptoms do not improve within about 1 to 2 minutes, if the person actually faints, or if symptoms worsen or recur, activate emergency services. Call 911 immediately when presyncope occurs with signs of a heart attack or stroke.

When someone says they feel faint, the first useful action is often simply preventing the fall.

Related Guardian Field Notes

• Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: Why the Difference Matters
• Calling 911: The Information Dispatchers Need First

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Source and further reading: 2024 American Heart Association / American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid — Presyncope. Educational information only; unexplained, recurrent, or concerning symptoms deserve medical evaluation.