If a patient is experiencing syncope, what should you do?

When a patient is experiencing syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness often related to decreased blood flow to the brain, the priority is to restore adequate blood flow and protect the patient from injury. Helping the patient lie down and elevating their feet is crucial because this position helps increase venous return to the heart, improving blood circulation to the brain and potentially preventing further loss of consciousness.

The elevated position of the feet can facilitate the normal physiological response to syncope, allowing blood to more readily reach vital organs during an episode where blood pressure might be momentarily low. This approach also ensures that the patient is safe and stable, reducing the risk of injury should they lose consciousness again. It is a simple yet effective intervention in managing syncope.

In contrast, performing the Heimlich maneuver is contraindicated as it is intended for airway obstruction, not consciousness loss. Raising the head can further compromise blood flow to the brain, exacerbating the situation. Using an AED is not appropriate since syncope typically does not relate to cardiac arrest, for which an AED would be indicated. Thus, helping the patient lie down and elevating their feet is the best action in this scenario to promote recovery and safety.