If a patient experiences fainting during treatment, what should a PCT do first?

When a patient experiences fainting, it is crucial to address the situation by quickly laying the patient down and elevating their legs. This action helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which is vital for recovery from fainting or near-fainting episodes. By positioning the patient in this way, the risk of injury from falling is minimized, and it facilitates a more rapid return to consciousness if the patient has lost it.

Maintaining an upright position can lead to further complications, as it may exacerbate the fainting episode and prevent blood flow to the brain. Calling for a doctor immediately or starting CPR would be appropriate in life-threatening situations but is not the first step in a case of fainting where the patient is still responsive or recovering. These responses should be reserved for more serious conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.