Loss of consciousness can happen unexpectedly and for a variety of reasons. Dehydration, low blood sugar, standing in one position for too long, standing up suddenly after sitting or lying down for a while, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, breathing too fast or hard, blood flow issues, being too hot — the list goes on.

When a person faints while in rope, particularly if they are attached to something, they can injure themselves as they fall. As their entire body becomes ‘dead weight’, immense pressure can be applied to areas of the body that would be otherwise protected when a person is conscious and capable of adjusting their position.

Prevention

Hydrate and eat a small snack roughly an hour before playing — preferably something high in protein.

Be watchful of early warning signs. If a person goes pale, starts sweating heavily, says they are feeling weak or dizzy or nauseated, reports a tightness in the chest, reports difficulty breathing, or seems to be short of breath, they might be on the verge of fainting.

Treatment

If they are feeling faint, but have not fainted: Stop what you are doing and help them gently to sit on a chair or lay onthe ground. Remove any rope and/or clothing that might be impacting breathing or blood flow. If sitting, have them put their head between their knees. If laying down, have them lay on their back with their knees elevated about 12 inches or on their side with their knees bent. Offer them water or juice and then a snack when they seem like they’re able to eat.

If they did faint, but did not fall and sustain other injuries: Check for responsiveness by tapping them gently on the shoulder and asking them loudly if they are okay. They should recover within one minute. Do all of the same things you did for if they are feeling faint. Stay with them until they have fully recovered.

If they do not respond within one minute, call emergency services. 911 in North America. 999 and 112 are common in other countries. If you don’t know the emergency number for the country you’re in, find out before you start playing.

If they are not breathing or they are breathing, but remain unresponsive after one minute: If there are people present, point to a specific person and, using a commanding voice, say, “You! Call 911” (or other local emergency number). If no one is with you, call the emergency number yourself and put the phone on speaker. If you are trained, begin CPR. Follow the instructions of the emergency operator.

If they fell or suffered some injury and are not responsive: Do not move them unless doing so is absolutely necessary to prevent further injury or harm. Call 911 or your local emergency number.