hello! as someone with vasovagal syncope and a history of fainting at protests, here are some precautions i take before taking to the streets:
drink a bottle of gatorade (or any other electrolyte-rich drink) BEFORE going out as well as bringing some to drink while at the protest.
wear light clothes so you donât get too hot, even if it means standing out a little if everyone else is wearing black.
eat lots of high-fiber food beforehand AND bring snacks (such as protein bars, trail mix, candy, etc.)
take breaks from shouting/chanting for a few minutes at a time! this is possibly the most important one for me, as someone with asthma. itâs so imperative to make sure you always have enough oxygen.
have your phone on you IF YOU CAN so that you can call/text someone for help if you need to be taken home or to the hospital.
go with friends, and tell them what to do if you pass out (shout for help, cushion your head, hold jackets or bags above you to provide shade, get a water bottle ready for when you wake up, and anything else that you or your doctor knows will help).
stand close enough to other people so that if you do fall, youâll fall against someone rather than on the ground. this will decrease the chances of hitting your head (note: this may not be possible due to the pandemic. if you canât stand near others, make sure not to stand on ledges or benches that would worsen the fall).
routinely shift positions to keep your blood flowing and make sure youâre not locking your legs! something that helps me remember to do this is wearing uncomfortable shoes, which isnât very fun but it forces me to step from foot to foot and roll my ankles a lot.Â
if you start to feel faint, SIT DOWN. even if it means leaving the action for a few minutes. find somewhere shady to sit, drink some water or gatorade, eat something, and then rest for as long as you need.Â
if you stand up and still feel faint, LEAVE. have someone drive you rather than taking public transportation, and if you donât think you can walk to a car, have someone call an ambulance. donât worry about drawing attention to yourself/being embarrassed (something that has prevented me from taking the necessary steps in the past). your safety is more important.
please share this if you can! also, please rb with anything you may have to add. stay safe!!!!!!!!!
kianamaiart
germansingergirl
baratheonpilled
discoholicmusic
gracieabrams
izzy806
theartofmadeline
