Req 6a — Fainting, Low Blood Sugar & Seizures

Loss of consciousness is frightening to witness, but staying calm and knowing what to do makes all the difference. This page covers three common causes of altered or lost consciousness that you are most likely to encounter.

Fainting (Syncope)

Fainting happens when the brain temporarily does not get enough blood flow. It is usually brief — the person collapses, then wakes up within a minute or two. Common triggers include standing for long periods, heat, dehydration, emotional stress, and standing up too quickly.

Signs before fainting: Lightheadedness, pale or gray skin, sweating, nausea, blurred or tunnel vision, feeling warm.

First aid:

1. If you notice warning signs, help the person sit or lie down immediately. Have them put their head between their knees if sitting.
2. If they have already fainted, check for breathing and pulse. Place them on their back and elevate their legs about 12 inches.
3. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and waist.
4. Do not splash water on their face or slap them — this is not helpful.
5. When they wake up, keep them lying down for several minutes. Offer water. Help them sit up slowly.
6. Call 911 if the person does not regain consciousness within a minute, if they hit their head during the fall, if they have chest pain or difficulty breathing, or if this is their first fainting episode with no clear cause.

Prevention: Stay hydrated. Avoid standing still for long periods — shift your weight, flex your calves. If you feel faint, lie down or sit with your head between your knees right away. Eat regular meals.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops too low — usually below 70 mg/dL. It most commonly affects people with diabetes who take insulin or certain medications, but it can also happen to anyone who has not eaten for a long time, especially during intense physical activity.

Signs and symptoms: Shakiness, sweating, pale skin, hunger, irritability, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, weakness, slurred speech, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness and seizures.

First aid:

1. If the person is conscious and can swallow, give them fast-acting sugar immediately:

   • Glucose tablets (the best option — carried by many diabetics)
   • Fruit juice (4 oz)
   • Regular soda (not diet)
   • Hard candy
   • Honey or sugar packets

2. Wait 15 minutes, then check if they feel better. If not, give another dose of sugar.

3. Once they improve, have them eat a snack with protein and carbohydrates (peanut butter crackers, cheese and crackers) to stabilize blood sugar.

4. If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow, do not put anything in their mouth. Call 911 immediately. Place them in the recovery position. If they carry a glucagon kit, a trained person can administer it by injection.

Prevention: People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar regularly, carry fast-acting sugar at all times, and eat balanced meals. For all Scouts — eat regular meals and snacks during activities, especially in hot weather or during strenuous exercise.

Seizures

A seizure occurs when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, head injuries, high fever, low blood sugar, drug overdose, or other medical conditions. Some seizures involve full-body convulsions; others may appear as staring spells or repetitive movements.

Signs of a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure: Sudden stiffening of the body, uncontrolled jerking or shaking, loss of consciousness, drooling or foaming at the mouth, eyes rolling back, loss of bladder control, confusion or sleepiness after the seizure ends.

First aid:

1. Do not restrain the person. You cannot stop a seizure by holding someone down. Restraining them can cause injuries.
2. Do not put anything in their mouth. Despite the old myth, people cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure. Putting objects in the mouth can break teeth or cause choking.
3. Protect their head. Place something soft (jacket, towel, your hands) under their head to prevent it from hitting the ground.
4. Clear the area. Move furniture, rocks, or anything the person could hit during the seizure.
5. Time the seizure. This information is critical for medical professionals.
6. After the seizure stops, turn the person onto their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear.
7. Stay with them. The person will be confused and disoriented when they wake up. Speak calmly and reassure them.

When to call 911:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• The person does not regain consciousness
• Another seizure begins shortly after the first
• The person is injured during the seizure
• This is their first seizure or you do not know their seizure history
• The person is pregnant, has diabetes, or is in water

Prevention: People with epilepsy should take prescribed medications consistently, get adequate sleep, and avoid known triggers. For other causes — prevent head injuries with helmets, manage diabetes, and avoid substance abuse.