Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What should be done if a person experiencing syncope is found standing?

1. Move them to a sitting position

2. Place them supine

3. Give them water

4. Perform CPR

The correct answer is: Place them supine

When a person experiencing syncope, or fainting, is found standing, the best course of action is to place them in a supine position. The supine position—lying flat on the back—helps ensure adequate blood flow to the brain and vital organs. When someone faints, it typically results from a temporary reduction in blood flow, often due to standing up too quickly, dehydration, or other medical issues. By moving the person to a supine position, gravity assists blood return from the legs to the torso, which can help stabilize their condition and prevent potential injuries from falling. The other options may not effectively address the immediate risk associated with syncope. Moving them to a sitting position could still put them at risk for falling if they were to lose consciousness again, and providing water is unnecessary until the individual is fully conscious and alert, as swallowing may be impaired. Performing CPR is only warranted if the person is unresponsive and not breathing; syncope does not automatically indicate the need for CPR unless there are additional complications. Therefore, placing the person supine is the most appropriate action for managing syncope in this scenario.