Outdoor sports are activities that bring people into close contact with nature. There’s a great sense of accomplishment when one overcomes challenges and reaches summits through personal effort and teamwork. However, after intense physical activity, the body needs timely hydration—otherwise, fainting can easily occur. How can we prevent it, and what should we do if someone faints? Today, we’ll share essential knowledge on this topic.
   I. First Aid
1  General Treatment  Place the person in a supine position or elevate their legs to increase blood flow to the brain. Loosen tight clothing, turn the head to one side to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Apply a cold, damp compress to the face and neck; if the body temperature is low, cover with a blanket. Stimulate the person by pressing the philtrum or having them smell ammonia if needed.
2  Treatment by Cause  Fainting due to vasodepressor syncope or orthostatic hypotension can be relieved with the above methods.
3  Episodic Weakness and Sudden Loss of Consciousness  Provide oxygen and follow the general treatment steps above.
4  Loss of Consciousness While Swimming or Diving Underwater  Typically, death can occur within 2.5 minutes of losing consciousness, so immediate rescue is crucial. Quickly clear the airway, use a tool to pull the tongue out to prevent blockage, and tilt the drowning victim’s head downward to drain water. Begin continuous artificial respiration. If the heart stops, perform external cardiac massage. Administer positive-pressure oxygen via tracheal intubation and use a pacemaker if available, along with respiratory stimulants and intracardiac injections.
5  Hypoglycemic Fainting  Inject glucose intravenously.
Xingzhe Wuyu, pioneering a new outdoor culture6  Cardiogenic Fainting  Administer oxygen immediately. If an electrocardiogram shows atrioventricular block, inject atropine subcutaneously. For ventricular tachycardia, inject lidocaine intravenously. Treat acute left heart failure with cardiac stimulants and diuretics. For acute myocardial infarction, provide pain relief, sedation, antiarrhythmics, anti-shock or anti-heart failure treatment. After on-site first aid, safely transport the patient.
7  Cerebrogenic Fainting  On-site measures include providing oxygen, ensuring airway patency, reducing blood pressure, and lowering intracranial pressure. Inject glucose intravenously. For those with high blood pressure, inject reserpine or magnesium sulfate (deep intramuscular injection). If convulsions occur, inject paraldehyde intramuscularly.
8  Heatstroke Fainting  Move the person to a cool, ventilated area and cool them down quickly. Use ice water, cold water, or alcohol rubs to redden the skin. Place ice packs on the head and areas with major blood vessels. If possible, administer intravenous 5% glucose saline solution.
II. Prevention

1  Adhere to scientific and systematic training principles to avoid sports-related illnesses such as excessive fatigue or overstrain.
2  Participants in long-duration, high-intensity sports must be trained athletes.
3  Those in recovery or of advanced age should follow a tailored exercise prescription.
4  Avoid prolonged training or competitions in high-temperature, high-humidity, or windless summer conditions.
5  During long-distance activities, replenish sugar, salt, and fluids promptly.
6  Avoid long-distance swimming while holding your breath; underwater swimming should have safety supervision.
7  Athletes should undergo regular medical checkups, especially before major competitions or intense training.
8  Individuals who have fainted should receive comprehensive examinations to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
9  Both participants and coaches should be equipped with the skills to prevent and provide basic first aid for fainting during sports.
9  Practitioners and coaches should have the ability to prevent and provide basic treatment for fainting that occurs during exercise.