On yourself: If you feel yourself going black, try to put your body in a position where you will cause as little injury as possible: Lie on the floor and raise your legs – this will help blood flow to the brain and you may be able to stave off unconsciousness. Even if the unconsciousness occurred only briefly and you do not attach any further significance to it, talk to your doctor about this attack: it may be the harbinger of brain or heart damage, the first sign of diabetes or a brain tumor – in other words, it may have a serious cause!
For others: If someone falls unconscious next to you, the best way to help is to place them in the recovery position and check their breathing and pulse. Notify 911, because if someone becomes unconscious, the cause should always be investigated. The rescue team may administer advanced first aid and supervise transport to the hospital. There, the cause of unconsciousness will be investigated.
