Fainting at school - a very anxious school RN!

[pineappleupsidedowncake, BSN, RN]

Regarding a student fainting (lasting less than a minute, with no other symptoms) would you always call 911? I had this situation last year and I called EMS - although she ended up not going to the hospital. However, I read somewhere (I don’t remember where, some first aid manual) that it was not necessary to call EMS in cases like this. That just makes me very uncomfortable, especially with the little kids (I am pk3-8th grade).

I’m probably over analyzing! This will be my second year in the school setting, and I’m still very anxious to go back. I didn’t do any nursing this Summer, and I’m assuming that is playing some part in the anxiety ?

thanks! 

 

 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Besides your district's policy, I would think that the student's medical history (or lack thereof) would play a part in the decision. "New onset" fainting with no obvious factors involved could be potentially serious. (Think transient dysrhythmia of some kind.)

 

On another note, I thought your title meant that YOU fainted because you were very anxious...?

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I've only called EMS for fainting once because the student was found on the floor (unwitnessed fainting, but hx of fainting) and didn't gain consciousness within a few minutes.  Typically I do a once-over for injuries related to the fall, get a set of vitals, do a quick neuro exam, and try to ID the cause (typically they didn't eat yet that day or there was a gross video in science class).  If no severe injury, normal vitals, normal neuro then they get a juice box, feet elevated for 20 minutes, a phone call home & back to class.