Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What is the initial step when a casualty has fainted?

1. Call for help

2. Lay the casualty down and elevate the legs

3. Administer oxygen immediately

4. Sprinkle water on the face

The correct answer is: Lay the casualty down and elevate the legs

Laying the casualty down and elevating the legs is the most immediate and effective step when someone has fainted. This position helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can help the person regain consciousness more quickly. When someone faints, it is often due to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain, and reclining with their legs raised allows gravity to assist in restoring that blood flow. This method is also a standard emergency response for fainting because it reduces the risk of injury from falls and supports the body's natural recovery process. While calling for help might be a necessary follow-up action if the person does not regain consciousness or if they have sustained injuries, it is not the initial step. Administering oxygen or sprinkling water on the face is generally not recommended as primary actions in this scenario since they do not address the immediate concern of restoring blood flow and may even result in unnecessary disruption during the critical moments after a fainting episode.