Which action should be done first when managing syncope?

• A. Put patient in a lying position and elevate legs
• B. Give them oxygen at 15 litres per minute
• C. Reassure them
• D. Check for signs of life and start CPR

Answer: (A)

Restoring cerebral perfusion quickly is the priority in managing syncope. Placing the patient in a flat, lying position with the legs elevated uses gravity to push blood back toward the heart and improve blood flow to the brain, helping them recover from fainting promptly. Oxygen isn’t the first action; it’s reserved for when there’s evidence of hypoxia or if symptoms persist after perfusion is restored. Reassurance is helpful once the initial physical measure has begun, but it doesn’t address the underlying drop in cerebral blood flow. CPR is only needed if the person becomes unresponsive and not breathing. In a dental setting, keep monitoring, loosen tight clothing, ensure airway patency, and call for help if there’s no rapid improvement.