Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Sport Related Injuries β Fainting Notes
Fainting
Sport Related Injuries β Physical & Health Education (Age 11, Kenya)
What is fainting?
Fainting (passing out) is when someone becomes briefly unconscious because the brain did not get enough blood or oxygen. It usually lasts a short time and the person wakes up quickly.
Common causes during sports
- Dehydration (not drinking enough water) π§
- Heat and very sunny weather during training βοΈ
- Low blood sugar β not eating before exercise π½οΈ
- Standing up too quickly after sitting or lying down
- Feeling very scared or shocked
- Head injury or a serious illness β less common but more serious
Signs you will see
- Feels dizzy or light-headed
- Vision goes dark or you see stars
- Person becomes pale, sweaty, and then falls asleep/unconscious π΅βπ«
- Breathing may be shallow for a short time
First Aid β What to do (simple steps)
- Stay calm. Ask a friend to get the teacher or school nurse right away.
- Lay the person flat on their back on the ground (on a mat if available).
- Raise their legs about 30 cm (use a bag or jumper). This helps blood flow back to the brain.
- Loosen tight clothes (shirt collars, belts)
- Check breathing β look for chest movement and normal breathing. If they are breathing, keep them on their side once awake to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Give water or a sweet drink only after they are fully awake and able to sit up (not while still unconscious).
Important β When to call for more help:
- If the person does not wake up quickly (within 1 minute)
- If they are not breathing or breathing is very weak (start CPR if trained and call emergency)
- If there was a head injury, seizure, or they have diabetes or a long illness
- If fainting happens again or the person has chest pain
In Kenya call the school office and emergency services (999 or 112 on mobile). Tell them your school name, location, and what happened.
What NOT to do
- Do not give a drink while the person is still unconscious.
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- Do not make them stand up quicklyβhelp them sit up slowly when ready.
How to prevent fainting at school sports
- Drink water before, during and after training. Carry a water bottle to practice.
- Eat a good meal or snack before exercise β not on an empty stomach.
- Warm up and cool down slowly.
- Wear hat and light clothes on hot days and rest in the shade when needed.
- Tell your coach if you feel dizzy, very tired or sick.
Quick checklist for students
- Water bottle β yes / no
- Ate something in the last 2 hours β yes / no
- Warmed up β yes / no
- Tell a teacher if you feel dizzy β always do!
Remember: Most fainting is short and not dangerous if you give help quickly. Always get an adult or nurse for school injuries.
π§
βοΈ
π₯
Drink water β’ Rest in shade β’ Tell a teacher