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Dec 1, 2015 · Fainting is recordable under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) injury reporting rules, even if the loss-of-consciousness is due to a non-recordable injury...
- Tressi L. Cordaro
- (800) 283-7476
- 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, 22314
1. Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate. 2. Check for signs and symptoms. Lost of consciousness, then “comes to” in about a minute* Pale skin or sweating* Weakness or dizziness* A sense they will faint; may try to sit. No warning at all.
People also ask
Is fainting a non-recordable injury?
Why did a worker faint?
What does it mean if a person faints?
What does it mean if a person suddenly loses consciousness?
Oct 19, 2015 · Section 1904.7(b)(1)(v) provides that a work-related injury or illness must be recorded if it results in loss of consciousness. Section 1904.7(b)(6) goes on to provide that employers must record every work-related injury or illness if a worker becomes unconscious, regardless of the length of time the employee remains unconscious.
Sep 23, 2019 · Under the OSHA recordkeeping system, work-relatedness is presumed for injuries and illnesses resulting from events or exposures occurring in the workplace — except under...
Mar 7, 2024 · Fainting is when someone briefly becomes unresponsive, often causing them to fall to the ground. It happens because for a moment, there is not enough blood flowing to the brain. People often faint as a reaction to pain, exhaustion, hunger, or emotional stress.
Common caller descriptions used for unconscious or fainting/near fainting patients include unresponsive, nonresponsive, won’t wake up, out of it, fell out, passed out, fainted, possibly fainted, looks like he’s going to pass out, etc.
- Overview
- Possible Causes
- Care and Treatment
- When to Call the Doctor
Fainting, or passing out, is a temporary loss of consciousness from a sudden decrease of blood flow to your brain. An episode usually lasts a few seconds or minutes. Most are harmless, but if you faint often or have other symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
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OverviewPossible CausesCare and TreatmentWhen to Call the Doctor
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What are the most common causes of fainting?
The most common reason for fainting is a sudden drop in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to your brain. There are many reasons why a drop in blood pressure could lead to a temporary loss of consciousness: Cardiac syncope: This type of syncope involves fainting because of a heart problem. Many heart conditions can affect how much oxygenated blood your heart can pump to your brain. This type makes up 15% of fainting incidents. Carotid sinus syncope: This type of syncope can happen when something pinches or constricts the carotid artery in your neck. The carotid artery is a blood vessel that supplies your brain. This type of fainting can occur when someone wears a very tight collar, stretches or turns their neck too much, or has a bone in their neck that’s pinching their artery. Vasovagal syncope: This can occur when a person experiences a stressful event. Examples include the sight of blood, emotional stress, physical trauma, emotional trauma or pain. The stressful event stimulates a bodily reflex called the vasovagal reaction. Your heart slows down and pumps less blood, so your blood pressure drops. Then, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood, and you faint. Certain bodily movements or functions also can naturally cause a drop in blood pressure that may lead to fainting spells. Examples include when a person pees, poops, coughs or stretches.
How is fainting treated?
A healthcare provider can work with you to determine the cause of your fainting. They can provide treatment if you need it. People — often age 65+ — who faint when they stand up too quickly may need: Medications. Compression stockings. More fluids and salt. Leg exercises. If a diagnosed heart issue made you faint, a provider may recommend: Medication. Pacemaker. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Catheter ablation. Heart valve replacement. People with carotid sinus syncope may need: Medication. Pacemaker. If fainting isn’t a frequent problem, many people don’t need treatment beyond what you can provide yourself.
Can fainting be prevented?
Yes, you can prevent fainting when you know what causes you to faint. Pay attention to specific activities or situations that make you faint. For example, if getting up too quickly sometimes makes you faint, learn to take your time standing up. You can also move your legs to help your blood move before you stand up. If you notice how you feel just before you faint, you can try certain strategies to prevent it: Make a fist with your hand. Tense your arms. Cross your legs. Squeeze your thighs together. Lie down. Sit, lean forward and put your head between your knees. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment
When should fainting be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider?
If you faint once and are in good health otherwise, you probably don’t need to talk to a healthcare provider. But seek medical attention if you: Have an injury from a fainting fall. Faint while exercising. Have repeat, frequent fainting spells. Take longer than a few minutes to regain consciousness. Fainting usually isn’t a sign of a serious health issue, but it can be. Talk to a healthcare provider if you faint and have any of the following symptoms: Blurry vision. Chest pain. Confusion or trouble talking. Irregular heartbeat. Loss of control with peeing or pooping. Shortness of breath. Also, report any loss of consciousness to a healthcare provider if you: Are pregnant. Have diabetes. Have a problem with your heart or blood pressure. Have a family history of sudden death. A note from Cleveland Clinic Fainting, or passing out, usually happens because of a drop in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to your brain. Most fainting spells are nothing to worry about. But talk to a healthcare provider if you lose consciousness repeatedly or have any other symptoms. Finding the cause can help you take action to prevent future fainting spells. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/14/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
