In the event of a medical emergency, there are various methods of rapid treatment, one of which is the "pinching" method used when a person suddenly faints. This practice is believed to quickly wake up a fainted person and save the emergency. However, with the popularization of medical knowledge and the deepening of scientific research, we have found that this traditional method not only lacks scientific evidence, but may also pose risks to patients and even exacerbate the danger. In the face of sudden loss of consciousness, the right first response and treatment are crucial, but they are often overshadowed by these unfounded advice.
The purpose of this article is to debunk the myth that "pinching people can save lives" through the scientific perspective of the correct actions to be taken in the event of a fainting situation, and to provide the public with evidence-based first aid knowledge to ensure that a response that is conducive to the safety and health of patients in an emergency. By analyzing the potential causes of fainting, assessing the risks of traditional treatment methods, and providing scientific first aid procedures, this paper hopes to raise public health awareness and reduce the harm caused by incorrect first aid methods.
Syncope, a sudden, transient loss of consciousness, usually caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain。This phenomenon can be triggered by a variety of factors, including but not limited to a sudden drop in blood pressure, a lack of blood flow due to heart disease, or a rapid dilatation of blood vessels triggered by an intense emotional response.
Sudden drop in blood pressure:When the human body suddenly stands up from a lying position, it may experience a drop in blood pressure, resulting in a lack of blood in the brain** and causing syncope.
Heart problems: The heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body, especially to the brain, which may be due to irregular heartbeat, heart valve disease, etc.
Emotional Response:Intense emotions, such as fear, pain, or seeing blood, can trigger a vagus nerve response that causes the heart to slow and blood vessels dilate, and blood pressure to drop.
Understanding the underlying causes of syncope is essential to take the right coping measures. Wrong management, such as pinching, not only does not help solve the underlying problem, but can also increase the risk to the patient.
Pinching people, an ancient practice, originates from the traditional understanding of acupuncture points in the human body. Although specific acupuncture point stimulation may have a slight effect on relieving pain or anxiety in some situations, it is inappropriate to use this method in the case of emergency syncope.
There is a lack of scientific evidence: Modern medical research has not proven that pinching people is effective in dealing with syncope, and there is no scientific basis for this practice.
Potential Risks: Inappropriate physical stimulation may cause additional pain to the patient and in some cases even worsen the patient's pre-existing medical condition.
The correct first aid approach should be based on scientific principles, such as keeping the person lying flat and ensuring that the airway is clear, rather than relying on unproven traditional practices.
In the event of a syncope, proper first aid steps are crucial. The following measures are based on best practices in emergency medicine:
Stay calm and stay safe: Immediately assess safety risks in the environment to avoid further harm to patients.
Lie flat and elevate your legs: Lie the patient on their back and, if possible, elevate their legs to promote blood return to the brain.
Monitor vital signs: Observe the patient's breathing and state of consciousness and seek medical assistance immediately if the patient does not quickly regain consciousness.
These measures are all aimed at stabilizing the patient's condition and providing time for the arrival of medical professionals.
In addition to being aware of first aid measures, taking appropriate lifestyle measures can help reduce the occurrence of syncope. This includes:
Moderate exercise:Regular moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, can improve cardiovascular health.
Eat a balanced diet: Maintain water and electrolyte balance, avoid prolonged fasting, and help maintain stable blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Avoid known triggers: Avoid syncope if certain situations (such as excessive heat or prolonged standing) are known to trigger syncope.
Through a comprehensive approach, including scientific first aid knowledge, correct living habits and regular health check-ups, the occurrence of syncope events can be effectively reduced, and the public's health awareness and self-protection ability can be improved.