You respond to the scene of a person fainting while standing in a ticket line. As you approach the patient, you note that he has not regained consciousness. Which field diagnosis can likely be differentials eliminated at this time?

A. Seizure.
B. Cardiac arrest.
C. Syncope episode.
D. Hypoglycaemia.

Answer: C. Syncopal episode.
The syncope patient typically becomes responsive almost immediately after becoming supine. If the patient faints and is not responding appropriately upon your arrival, consider the condition an altered mental status. Perform primary and secondary assessments, and manage the patent's airway, breathing, oxygenation and circulation as you would for any patient with altered mental status.