SECTION C

[20 marks]
[Time suggested: 20 minutes]
Question 4
Read the article about ways to help a victim who feels faint.
Fainting can be frightening thing, especially when you do not know why it is
happening or what to do. It is more frightening than serious, but do take
precautions. Here are ways you can take care of yourself or someone else it occurs.
To avoid injuries, try to stop the victim from falling to the ground. If the
person is standing upright, lay him down on the ground or sit him down on a couch.
Make sure it is not a chair without armrests. This will still allow the victim to fall off
it and cause injury.
Next, open the window or door to allow more air into the room. Another way
to help a person who feels faint is to get a cold compress and place it on the
forehead. Wrap the compress in a cloth before applying it.
When the victim recovers from the fainting spell, gets the person back into
an upright sitting position slowly. Continue to give the victim support, even after
they are sitting upright. Dont allow him to walk immediately. If the person is
conscious, then give him some water. Dont let him gulp a mouthful of water. Make
sure he takes small sips at a time to prevent choking.
If you feel faint, you may be able to take these steps. If possible, lie down.
This can help prevent fainting as it allows blood to circulate to the brain. Dont let
yourself get dehydrated. Drink enough fluids, especially when your body is losing
more water due to sweating or being in a warm environment.
Finally, ensure there is good blood circulation. If you have to stand or sit for a
long time, periodically stretch your leg muscles. Also, cross your legs to help
improve blood flow to the heart and brain. Try to avoid overheated or cramped

Read the speed carefully and answer the questions (a) (i)
(a) What will happen if a person who feels faint falls to the ground?
(1mark)
(b)Where should you place the cold compress?
(1mark)

(c) List two preventive steps to take if you think that you are going to faint?
(2 marks)
(d)What will happen if a victim who feels faint gulps a mouthful of water?
(1mark)
(e) Fill in the table with an appropriate word/ phrase from the article.
Meaning

Phrase

i.

safety measure

(1 mark)

ii.

a short period of time

(1 mark)

iii.

able to use the senses to

understand what is
happening

(1 mark)

losing a large amount of

water

(1 mark)

iv.

(f) Why is it necessary to make a person who feels faint lie down?
(1mark)
(g)State two other ways to improve blood circulation to the brain.
(2 marks)
(h)Why do you think that a person who feels faint should avoid overheated and
cramped areas?
(1mark)
(i) State two other ways to help a person who has fainted.
(3 marks)