Key Points

Please take a moment to review these points, reflect on their significance and consider how they apply to your own experiences.

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• Syncope is usually brief and caused by transient cerebral hypoperfusion triggered by pain, anxiety, heat, fasting or standing.
• Classic faint features: pale, clammy skin; identifiable trigger; brief loss of consciousness; rapid recovery when laid flat with legs raised.
• Immediate management of a simple faint: lay flat, elevate legs, open airway, provide fresh air, reassure and observe.
• If the patient remains drowsy, confused or shows abnormal breathing or chest pain, reassess ABCs and check for injury, hypoglycaemia, seizure or cardiac causes.
• If unresponsive, open the airway, check breathing and be prepared to commence CPR and call emergency services.
• Panic and hyperventilation can mimic asthma, anaphylaxis or cardiac events; assess thoroughly before assuming anxiety.
• Prevention: ask about prior faints, avoid prolonged upright waiting, keep anxious patients informed and do not rush them to stand after treatment.
• Reception staff should ensure fainting patients receive clinical assessment rather than simple reception‑desk interventions.