The bigger picture

In the short-term, the best way to manage fainting is to get the patient’s head lower than their legs, if they are sitting, this can be achieved by encouraging them to sit with their head between their knees. Otherwise, if they are lying down, their legs can be propped up on the shoulder of someone who is crouching down or an object such as a chair. You should also make sure they have plenty of air. Once they regain consciousness, they should continue to lie down until they are feeling steadier and then sit and stand gradually, perhaps sipping some water to counteract any contributing dehydration.