What to do if someone faints?

Old time fainting remedies are dangerous. Placing a fainter's head between his legs could cause brain damage. Most smelling salts contain ammonium hydroxide, which can cause chemical burns of the nose and lungs. Better: Lay the fainter on his back.

Then raise his legs. Gently massage the calves to return the blood to central circulation. Wait about 20 minutes and raise the person in stages.