When a casualty has fainted, what should you do?

When a casualty has fainted, the appropriate response is to lay them down and elevate their legs. This position helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which can aid in the recovery of the individual who has fainted. Elevating the legs encourages blood to return to vital organs, particularly the brain, facilitating faster recovery from the fainting episode.

This approach helps to prevent further injury, as fainting can lead to falls, and it creates a safer environment for the person. In addition, laying the individual down helps to relieve pressure on their body and reduces the risk of complications that might arise if they were to remain standing.

The other options suggest actions that are generally not effective or could potentially worsen the situation. For instance, keeping someone in a standing position is dangerous because it increases the likelihood of further fainting or injury. Encouraging the person to drink water may not be advisable immediately after fainting, as they may not be able to swallow safely. Administering oxygen is usually unnecessary unless there are specific indications of respiratory distress or other medical issues, making this step inappropriate in most fainting cases.