How to deal with people who faint at festivals

Increased heart rate, low blood pressure, rapid breathing and loss of consciousness when heat stroke causes the victim to faint.

According to Dr. Pham Thi Dung, Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Traditional Medicine, fainting and fainting are two different concepts. Fainting is a state of incomplete loss of consciousness, the patient can hear and perceive the surroundings. Fainting is a state of sudden loss of consciousness, the patient is not aware of the surroundings.

There are many reasons for fainting at festivals, especially in hot weather and cramped spaces. Elderly people and children have to exert themselves, jostle and stand for long periods of time, which is dangerous, especially for people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

What to do when someone faints

First aid should be performed. Place the patient with the head lower than the feet, let them inhale essential oils, loosen tight clothing or other tight areas. Place towels soaked in cool water or ice in areas such as the armpits, groin, and sides of the neck to help quickly reduce body temperature. The head should be turned to one side to prevent the tongue from falling into the throat or inhaling vomit into the lungs.

If the victim can drink, give them small sips of cool water. It is best to give them water with added salt and minerals, such as Oresol, mixed in the correct dosage according to the instructions. If the victim has cramps, gently massage the cramped muscle area.

If the victim has a lower than normal body temperature, cover them with a warm blanket and call an ambulance to take them to the hospital for further treatment. Do not let too many people surround the victim. After about 10-15 minutes, the symptoms will gradually subside.

In severe cases, call 115 immediately or take the victim to the nearest medical facility. During transport, apply cool compresses frequently to reduce body temperature.