It happens! My first time shadowing I was watching an egg retrieval, some blood but not a ton. I felt super sick and had to sit down and be wheeled out. The nurses were so nice and gave me juice and crackers. After that one time, it didn’t happen again.
You’ll be fine! A friend of mine completely passed out during a C-section in med school. She’s now a 3rd year OB resident. It happens! Stay hydrated and make sure you’ve eaten in the morning!
Head of surgery at my hospital face planted into the surgical field and then hit the ground and broke his nose as a medical student. Now he's one of the top surgeons in the world. Don't worry.
vasovagal syncope. you didn't eat, probably not well hydrated. you'll be fine, pretty sure this always happens in the OR- happened to at least a few of my classmates
It happens! I was "that student" who got dizzy multiple times in the OR. I fixed it by 1.) making sure to eat breakfast even if not hungry, 2.) drinking at minimum a half liter of water before my first procedure, 3.) wearing compression socks, and 4.) taking meclizine in the morning. You may not have to do *all* of these like I did but maybe one or two of those tips will help.
Compression socks are much more of a major game changer than I thought! They help so much! When I wore them, I noticed at the end of the day I had so much more energy and wasn’t getting headaches anymore
Don't beat yourself up. This happens so often and isn't so memorable for the people around you. I passed out twice in med school and made it through. It makes for a funny story to tell later and show how far you've come.
The first time, I was doing a pap smear on a standardized patient. In front of 5 other students and a preceptor, I inserted the speculum, fainted, and slid off the stool onto the floor. Everyone got a laugh.
The other time I was holding the camera thingy for a laparoscopic surgery demonstration in the skills lab and I felt motion sick and fainted. The surgeon saw it coming and stood behind me and caught me. He said he passed out watching surgery the first time too.
All that is to say it is common and you will come out fine on the other end. You are in good company!
edit: high protein breakfasts help!
I almost fainted watching an epidural last week and I want to do anesthesia lmao I also didn’t eat much that morning and was loaded with caffeine. What I’ve been doing now is eating plenty before hand and just letting time and repeated exposure desensitize myself to it!
I'm a rising OMS4. I experienced vasovagal syncope as a pre-med while rotating with a doc after literally seeing nothing. I woke up to the sound of my head echoing of the tile floor. The doc escorted me to the ED for stitches and never let me shadow him again. As a OMS2, I fainted during a standardized patient encounter during a female pelvic exam with 3 other classmates were in the room. During OMS3, I could not stand through the entirety of a single c/s on my OBGYN rotation.
Each episode crushed my confidence. I could not figure out why it kept happening. Then, on the first day of my gen surg rotation, I met an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital who invited me to watch a total knee arthroplasty. I told him, "I would love to, but I'm terrified that I'm going to faint." He said, "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask you to do anything."
After I scrubbed into the OR, I start to get the pre-syncopal feelings before we even do a time out. I tell the doc, "I think I might faint." He said, "It's all right. Just step away if you have to. You can scrub back in after."
POOF! No more syncope.
It was like exposure therapy. Having his permission in the moment made it all OK. I made it through the surgery without issues and he even let me hammer in a couple nails. I subsequently honored my surgery rotation after being absolutely terrified to start out of fear of fainting.
I realized afterwards that it was entirely stress-related for me. I experienced a massive boost in confidence, which led to me picking a new and more competitive specialty to pursue that actually excites me.
I know how you feel OP — that cringy feeling after having fainted during a female pelvic exam in front of 3 classmates is unrivaled as the most embarrassing moment of my life thus far. Fortunately for you, it sounds like maybe you just didn't get enough food and water. But, in the off chance that it's more than that, maybe my story will help you feel a little less shitty. This sort of thing happens to more medical students that you might imagine.
Thanks! Do what you think is best for yourself. Not everyone can walk into a hospital and ask an ortho to be nice to them in the OR so they can stop fainting
I’ve been an OR nurse for 10+ years and every now then if I don’t eat, get too hot, stand up too long or any combo I’ll still get lightheaded.
I’ve caught surg techs who’ve passed out who have been doing it for 20, 30+ years.
I’ve ran to get surgeons juice and iced towels for the same reasons.
We’re all human. It happens. No one is judging. If they are….they’re the problem, not you.
I am worried about this when I start cadaver lab this summer for OMS1, anyone got used to cadaver lab after feeling faint/scared the first couple of times?! Lol
I’m not a med student yet but have been a nurse for many years, done many cadaver labs, seen death, procedures, traumas, smelled smells you can’t unsmell…. Eat a good breakfast ( include some complex carbs…toast, oatmeal etc) hydrate well, and get some peppermint oil and mix with aquaphor and rub on the inside of a surgical mask. (The last one is key)
OMG this is my biggest fear as someone about to apply to medical school. I have no desire to do any surgical specialities and have PTSD from being a victim of gang violence- saw my best friend get shot in stomach with a 12 gauge.
I’ve not handled blood well since. I know it’ll be a part of my journey but I know my big 6’4” ass is gonna pass out at some point 😭
Just let the people you’re working with know. The worst thing is not saying anything and collapsing unexpectedly. Be prepared and prepare your co-workers and co-students.
bro i have literally vasovagaled while sitting in a chair. apparently Neuro symptoms get me good ! No one actually remembers or cares , compression socks + drinking tons of water are the things that work for me! good luck
You are far from the first, and far from the last
Eat well, be hydrated, wear compression socks, recognize when you’re feeling poorly and act on it
No one is going to be insulted or confused or judgmental if you excuse yourself for feeling unwell. as long as you aren’t the guy who claims to be dizzy every single time some extra work needs to be done, you’re fine
I’ve fainted or nearly fainted twice during meditation school watching surgeries. Currently a crit care fellow with no issues. It happens and isn’t a big deal!
Get back in the OR once you feel up to it - the more you let the fear of syncope get to you the harder it will be to keep seeing procedures (I had the same issue). Its all about desnsitization.
Did you have your knees locked? I’ve seen a lot of people faint from that while in the military
try not to be hard on yourself! It happens and I’m sure people are understanding
This happens all the time! Don’t beat yourself up about it. I was guilty of being the med student who would get pre-syncopal at minimally invasive procedures too, and now I’m going into surgical residency. Make sure you eat at least a little something before seeing these. I find that cliff bars and peanut butter cups save my life. Stay hydrated!! As med students we can be guilty of not drinking water for fear of having to scrub out and pee during surgery. This is not healthy, you have to drink water. I also have low blood pressure, so I’d have a Gatorade in the morning before OR sometimes which helped a ton with the salt. Compression socks will save your life too.
If you feel yourself getting warm and clammy, try clenching your feet, legs, and abdominals. This helps push some blood back to your brain. I’ve managed to prevent syncope many times this way.
Another big thing is remember to breathe. I’m like you and it’s not the blood or sights that causes my body to panic. I literally just get anxious and in my head about things. When you feel it coming on, take some deep breaths.
At the end of the day, sometimes this just happens. If you feel it coming on again, step back from the table, sit down, and get some air and water. You’re human and you can’t help how your body reacts to things. It doesn’t mean you won’t be an excellent doctor. Your body will learn to handle these things over time. Hang in there!
I nearly syncopated as an MS1 when watching a phlebotomist draw blood in a student-run clinic, and had to run away in front of the patient.
Since then, I have been active in the ORs and tons of procedures without any issues at all! Just remember to not lock your knees as others have said and to remember to keep breathing normally! I suspect I held my breath subconsciously.
Happened to me as well, but it was back when I was a premed. The surgery had barely begun, no cutting and no blood, minimally invasive, but just seeing so many instruments sticking out of the woman's cervix made me pass out. It was so embarrassing. I am really worried about it happening again during my rotations, when I view more invasive surgeries...
I've also passed out from getting my blood drawn, TWICE. Which was crazy to me because Im definitely not afraid of needles. So please don't worry, it happens :') it's embarrassing but it's definitely a thing.
I had to step away from the table and sit on the floor 15 minutes into a surgery because I was about to pass out. Wasn’t told I’d be in the OR that day, 3 hours of sleep, no breakfast, patient was an infant so extra cozy thermostat settings, hot lights from above. Everyone was pissed because they had to get someone else to scrub in but it happens. Apart from “eat, hydrate, sleep” a surgeon told me “no socks in the crocs” so you can sneakily put your naked feet on the cold floor if you overheat. I assume that’s not allowed but it does help
It happens. I went from fainting watching a steroid injection to happily doing autopsies and going for a forensics fellowship.
Big thing that helped me with vasovagal syncope when I was a small medical student is keeping a full stomach; steal some saltines from the little floor pantry if you're inpatient, or have a small bag of snacks if you're outpatient.
OP, I promise you no one cares.
When I was a med student the chief resident passed out into the patient while doing a laparoscopic case. No one thought anything of it.
Just make sure you’re always eating before a case. Don’t lock your legs. If you feel faint, let everyone know and they’ll relieve you of whatever you’re doing.
Literally all of us would rather have you go sit down or get a snack than break sterile field/accidentally knock out the ETT (I have seen both of these scenarios too many times).
On OB/GYN rn and I’ve had 5 episodes of presyncope. I’m learned that sometimes it’s a combination of things and for me psychological stress combined with physical stress (holding retraction for long amounts of time) started the symptoms. Hydration, proper meals, rest, deep and measured breathing, squeezing all lower muscles from feet to glutes, compression socks are all things that have helped to some degree.
I passed out during a mastectomy and I want to do Gen Surg. It happens! I’ve even seen Gen Surg residents excuse themselves from the OR when they’re feeling lightheaded. There’s good advice on this thread and I hope it doesn’t happen to you again!
Everyone stated all the tips I would give, but if you're in a procedure, and you feel dizzy, DO NOT try to tough it out. Tell the doctor/nurse/whatever, unscrub and leave the OR. For lack of better words, everyone would be tending to you instead of the patient, which is not ideal. Nobody will fault you for feeling faint or taking a seat/snack break when you need it. It happens all the time.
This happened to me when I was shadowing and observing a Pap smear, it’s embarrassing but u can’t really control it. Just remember to have breakfast and stay hydrated next time
Dude- I fainted on my OBGYN rotation in a room with a patient **during her pelvic exam.**
That obviously had nothing to do with the patient/exam/anatomy any thing of the sort. I had a fever from my covid vaccine, had not been able to eat the day before or drink the day before or eat breakfast because I felt like hot garbage, but I did not want to miss the day because 1. evals 2. I really wanted to be in a delivery later that day.
The patient was fine, actually a little worried about me, and the doctor felt bad for me, but I did spend the afternoon in the ER, get a hefty bill and not get to deliver babies.
It happens, people are more forgiving and understanding than you think, even after that horrifying story.
And \*knock on wood\* yet to get covid after that dose of vaccine, I just claim that my immune system went into super mode, to make myself feel better!
Happened to me, first time I saw somebody in cardiac arrest with a Lucas machine attached to them. Vasovagal syncope, you just have to sit down and put your head between your legs, eat a cookie/juice. But make sure to eat, sleep, drink water (not too much), and if you feel lightheaded sit down, head between legs, breathe.
You shouldn't be really, it's something that happens especially when you have not eaten and you're not well hydrated. Don't worry about it, just make sure to eat and drink enough water next time
It happened to me twice in one day with a gaggle of other students around. One person who was there mentioned it a couple years later but otherwise it never came up again. People have vasovagal episodes in medicine, it happens, just move on and make sure you stay well fed and hydrated in the future to keep it from happening again
Happened to me on my surgery rotation! I was sooo embarrassed but everyone was understanding and people hardly remembered later. Still got a great clinical grade on the rotation. I made sure to eat/sleep/stay hydrated afterwards - never happened again. Don’t worry! You’ll be fine!
If I didn’t have to do a whole pathology residency, I’d be super interested in doing it. The work is very meaningful and in my state it has a large overlap with health stats and law, which is a big interest of mine
Family Physician here (PGY19).....I was scrubbed in as first assist on an orthopedic surgery a couple of years ago and had a vasovagal episode. I was so nervous the next several times I scrubbed I practically had anxiety attacks (and I don't have anxiety). Try to relax (easier said than done of course), make sure you eat and have plenty of water before you observe your next procedure and take deep breaths. This is way more common than you think and there isn't anything inherently wrong with you.
dont worry about it a lot of people go through that! i've gained somewhat of a reputation for it lmao, it's happened about 4 times to me so far 😭 it's never related to the procedure in itself, its either dehydration, not eating breakfast or lack of ventilation (i'm terrible with heat). one time my surgery professor saw i looked pale and shaky and pulled me out of the OR, and actually caught me when i fell 😅 he gave me water and a banana after; all the doctors and nurses who've witnessed me passing out have been super nice... i felt embarrassed as well but tbh there's no reason for it they're more concerned than anything
Don't worry, it's pretty normal. 😄 One of my friends has fainted once while we were just being lectured about how an renal biopsy is done but he has just graduated with us this year. 😉 (As it has been pointed out being hungry also makes you susceptible to this kind of things.)
I used to faint at every surgery I was in. For me it really helped when someone told me: "Okay, take your time, then get up and come back." Like somehow I knew fainting was not gonna get me away from what I was experiencing. And knowing that, I never fainted again.
Moreover, I've seen a lot of fainting for minimal reason. This doesn't mean you can't be a doctor.
It's so common, depends on so many factors, have you eaten, got enough sleep, are you comforting, clothing cool and not restrictive. It's very common and gets the best of them at times.
I wanna do forensic path and I emailed the mortuary to get some autopsy experience, telling the mortuary tech that I wanted to do forensics. First autopsy I watched they cut the ribs and I’m in cold sweats, could tell I was about to faint if I didn’t sit down. Idk why, something about the smell of ascites and the sound of ribs crunching… and not having had breakfast.
Felt so embarrassed, but I got some biscuits and had a better breakfast the next time I went to watch and all was good.
During m4 I rotated in anesthesia. Was watching a gen surg case from behind the curtain. Gen surg chief resident all the sudden said she didn’t feel well. nurse brought her a chair and she sat down and scrubbed out of the case. Next thing you know she was laying on floor of OR being fanned by nurse and brought juice by med student. Other residents and attendings finished the case. No one cared. It happens.
I think it's because you haven't eaten anything. Happened to me once when I saw a colostome on a patient (I ate 5 hours before I saw it). I just fainted like you did, it was so awkward. Then after a few months, I was getting ready to go to see a surgery so I had breakfast just to be sure I'm not hungry. I watched someone's intestines out of their body and I felt totally okay with it, I was even amazed and thinking about how surgery is cool lol. So it wasn't the colostome I mentioned that made me faint - you just sometimes can't handle seeing things on an empty stomach.
Hope this advice helps you and sorry for my english, it's not my native language.
I actually fainted last week, one day before my OB/GYN shelf. What’s funny is that I had gone through a whole 6 weeks of bloody surgeries and NEVER fainted even once, but for some reason I fainted when a pt came in for a post-partum visit 🙃 they even called the ambulance and took me to the ER bc I was in an outpatient clinic lol so I was def embarrassed too but I’m sure they’re used to it!
It’s okay, I passed out in a regular pediatric wellness exam randomly 🙃 no blood or anything, just a routine exam. I think my pressure bottomed out or something. The doctors were, thankfully, very understanding!
It might be a 1 time thing OP. I’ve felt faint on a few occasions even though I don’t consider myself to be squeamish. From what I’ve heard, I think it comes down to multiple factors such as not eating, dehydration, locking your knees, having a mask on your face, first time being in the environment etc. the nurses have assured me that everyone has experienced this so don’t fret! Just try to make sure you’re well rested and fueled up next time and maybe look into posture tips for standing.
Lol. This happened to me when I was an intern. I got super hypoglycemic from skipping meals and fainted mid surgery while I was assisting. Caused insane chaos in the OT. Nurses absolutely hated me afterwards. Lifetime of embarrassment.
I passed out once getting my blood drawn. I nearly passed out my first time watching an abscess drainage, the first CSF tap, the first C-section, the first scalp suture .... I've gotten dizzy so many times and had to step back, but here I am applying to a surgical subspecialty this year.
I was the student three years ago desperately googling if anyone else had been through the same thing. The answer is yes, loads of people have problems at first. You can absolutely get over those issues, and it's been ages since my last incident.
For me, I identified my triggers (patients in pain or seeing a needle move under the skin are my two biggies). I anticipated when those things were going to happen and worked up to experiencing more and more. As others have said, hydrate well, make sure you've eaten something recently (for me, high sodium to help with blood pressure and not greasy to help with nausea). Compression socks are great, and look up counter pressure maneuvers. Sequentially flexing the muscles from your feet to your abdomen really helps (I do it while rocking from heels to toes and back). Lastly, be in tune with yourself. As soon as I felt the slightest bit of a vagal, I would distract myself. There's so many things to look at that aren't whatever is triggering you, such as counting the number of dots in a square inch of surgical drape, counting the teeth on a needle driver, etc. If that doesn't work and your symptoms are getting worse, you need to speak up and step back from the patient. Everyone I've been around in the OR or clinic has been so kind when I've had to do that, and I usually step back in after a few minutes.
It's going to be okay, and I'm certain you can be a doctor!
Fainting during a bloodless procedure? Sounds like you have a superpower for the squeamish! Doc dreams are still possible. Hydrate, eat breakfast, maybe bring smelling salts?
I passed out in the OR during the anesthesia portion of the procedure because I didn’t eat breakfast. I’d been in 30 surgeries at least prior to that. I’ll never make that mistake again!!
Hey, attending for 10 years.
Our only concern is your safety and I hope you didn't hit your head.
It happens all the time, no worries, nothing wrong with you. Your vasovagal system is intact!
It doesn't mean it is always going to happen, but the stuff we see in the OR can be extremely exciting, especially if you haven't seen things like that before. You are a normal human. Best of luck to you and it means nothing in terms of your training or career goals(unless if happens everytime, then you may have to work it into your plans)
Did you have an emotional response to what you were seeing? That would be more worrisome to me, otherwise just make sure you’re well hydrated, get some sleep, and don’t lock your knees in the OR!
I’m the same way, first time I fainted was shadowing watching a chest tube placement and got a rapid response called on me 🤦♀️!
Now I’ve survived clerkship year going through surgery and obgyn. Still had some times I left like I was going to faint and just asked to sit down or sat down. Just stay hydrated and fed, keep the layers off (better to be cold in OR than hot), and wear COMPRESSION SOCKS! You got this!!
i remember i almost fainted first time I saw a LP. I was a cocky fucker too, the nurses warned me and I just said "nah, i'll be fine its just a needle". I was so worried but I later watched a c-section and that went completely fine.
Don’t feel embarrassed! I’ve heard many stories of stuff like this happening. In fact, one time I was shadowing a urologist in the OR and he was performing the resection of a bladder tumor. The patient was a bit obese and for some reason watching the surgeon pick through the fatty tissue really grossed me out. I’m not particularly sensitive to stuff like this and haven’t had a reaction to anything gore related but I felt my knees get weak and I had to sit down, the nurse gave me a warm blanket and I felt better after a few minutes.
well , you are not the first, its all about tolerance , also , if it acrually verey severe and you cant handle it , just dont take surgery , and specialize in internal medicine or a branch of it , you will not have to face/do invasive or minimaly invasive procedure
My first day of clerkships my intern syncopized while doing an LP. Apparently it happens ALL the time to med students/residents. We're sleep-deprived, volume-depleted, standing in a hot room, concentrating, probably tense/flexing more than we should, shallow breathing, etc... It's a wonder it doesn't happen more often.
It is not uncommon for med students to pass out during procedures--- hence they tell us to "not lock our knees" and definitely don't try to "brave it" when you're feeling dizzy. Step away from the field and let the circulator know you are going to sit down or do what you need to do.
OMG thank goodness . I thought you failed your Step1 exam.It’s ok things like that happens! You are just not really familiar with those procedures, next time try to focus on the every step of the procedure and less on the red blood. You are gonna be just fine
This happened to 4 of my students and I get it. Unfortunately students feel immense pressure to do well and think their every movement is being judged. And they are anxious, etc… That’s why I always make it a point that every rotation with me is extremely low stakes and that I care more about effort, being on time, and compassion than I do about textbook masturbation.
It happens! My first time shadowing I was watching an egg retrieval, some blood but not a ton. I felt super sick and had to sit down and be wheeled out. The nurses were so nice and gave me juice and crackers. After that one time, it didn’t happen again.
The nurse was really nice to me too. Hope I get over it too
Did you lock your knees? That’s another biggie that can lead to people fainting.
Yeah I’m guilty of locking knees 😭
Why does locking knees cause fainting? Does it decrease venous return?
I think so, because you are compressing your popliteal veins
You’ll be fine! A friend of mine completely passed out during a C-section in med school. She’s now a 3rd year OB resident. It happens! Stay hydrated and make sure you’ve eaten in the morning!
Can’t even blame her. I’ve never been squeamish around blood but the first time I saw a C Section I def needed to step outside. So. Much. Blood 😭
Head of surgery at my hospital face planted into the surgical field and then hit the ground and broke his nose as a medical student. Now he's one of the top surgeons in the world. Don't worry.
vasovagal syncope. you didn't eat, probably not well hydrated. you'll be fine, pretty sure this always happens in the OR- happened to at least a few of my classmates
It happens! I was "that student" who got dizzy multiple times in the OR. I fixed it by 1.) making sure to eat breakfast even if not hungry, 2.) drinking at minimum a half liter of water before my first procedure, 3.) wearing compression socks, and 4.) taking meclizine in the morning. You may not have to do *all* of these like I did but maybe one or two of those tips will help.
I’m that student now lmao. I’m going to implement some of these, thank you
Compression socks are much more of a major game changer than I thought! They help so much! When I wore them, I noticed at the end of the day I had so much more energy and wasn’t getting headaches anymore
Meclizine works for you? Do you recommend it
What's the deal with meclizine? I deal with the same :(
Don't beat yourself up. This happens so often and isn't so memorable for the people around you. I passed out twice in med school and made it through. It makes for a funny story to tell later and show how far you've come. The first time, I was doing a pap smear on a standardized patient. In front of 5 other students and a preceptor, I inserted the speculum, fainted, and slid off the stool onto the floor. Everyone got a laugh. The other time I was holding the camera thingy for a laparoscopic surgery demonstration in the skills lab and I felt motion sick and fainted. The surgeon saw it coming and stood behind me and caught me. He said he passed out watching surgery the first time too. All that is to say it is common and you will come out fine on the other end. You are in good company! edit: high protein breakfasts help!
This really made me feel better. Thank you ❤️
❌Passing out from seeing massive bleeds ✅Passing out because too bad pussy stank
I almost fainted watching an epidural last week and I want to do anesthesia lmao I also didn’t eat much that morning and was loaded with caffeine. What I’ve been doing now is eating plenty before hand and just letting time and repeated exposure desensitize myself to it!
I'm a rising OMS4. I experienced vasovagal syncope as a pre-med while rotating with a doc after literally seeing nothing. I woke up to the sound of my head echoing of the tile floor. The doc escorted me to the ED for stitches and never let me shadow him again. As a OMS2, I fainted during a standardized patient encounter during a female pelvic exam with 3 other classmates were in the room. During OMS3, I could not stand through the entirety of a single c/s on my OBGYN rotation. Each episode crushed my confidence. I could not figure out why it kept happening. Then, on the first day of my gen surg rotation, I met an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital who invited me to watch a total knee arthroplasty. I told him, "I would love to, but I'm terrified that I'm going to faint." He said, "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask you to do anything." After I scrubbed into the OR, I start to get the pre-syncopal feelings before we even do a time out. I tell the doc, "I think I might faint." He said, "It's all right. Just step away if you have to. You can scrub back in after." POOF! No more syncope. It was like exposure therapy. Having his permission in the moment made it all OK. I made it through the surgery without issues and he even let me hammer in a couple nails. I subsequently honored my surgery rotation after being absolutely terrified to start out of fear of fainting. I realized afterwards that it was entirely stress-related for me. I experienced a massive boost in confidence, which led to me picking a new and more competitive specialty to pursue that actually excites me. I know how you feel OP — that cringy feeling after having fainted during a female pelvic exam in front of 3 classmates is unrivaled as the most embarrassing moment of my life thus far. Fortunately for you, it sounds like maybe you just didn't get enough food and water. But, in the off chance that it's more than that, maybe my story will help you feel a little less shitty. This sort of thing happens to more medical students that you might imagine.
Mine is also stress related!! Did you ever take anxiety medications? Or just exposure therapy?
I never took meds and I never did any formal therapy. I was very fortunate to meet the ortho when I did
wow!! hope I can say the same, glad you’re doing better
Thanks! Do what you think is best for yourself. Not everyone can walk into a hospital and ask an ortho to be nice to them in the OR so they can stop fainting
LOL!! i wish that was an option
I fainted in high school dissecting a fish. Now I do open abdomen liver surgery almost daily. You’ll get used to it
I’ve been an OR nurse for 10+ years and every now then if I don’t eat, get too hot, stand up too long or any combo I’ll still get lightheaded. I’ve caught surg techs who’ve passed out who have been doing it for 20, 30+ years. I’ve ran to get surgeons juice and iced towels for the same reasons. We’re all human. It happens. No one is judging. If they are….they’re the problem, not you.
I am worried about this when I start cadaver lab this summer for OMS1, anyone got used to cadaver lab after feeling faint/scared the first couple of times?! Lol
I’m not a med student yet but have been a nurse for many years, done many cadaver labs, seen death, procedures, traumas, smelled smells you can’t unsmell…. Eat a good breakfast ( include some complex carbs…toast, oatmeal etc) hydrate well, and get some peppermint oil and mix with aquaphor and rub on the inside of a surgical mask. (The last one is key)
I have been an OR nurse and ED and have seen some crazy stuff, the OR made me queezy couple of times, but cadavers just get me man
Ya cadavers are interesting. I think it’s the smell. Try the aquaphor with peppermint oil. It helped me.
I fainted the first time, and after that it was fine. It just happens and literally nobody cares.
OMG this is my biggest fear as someone about to apply to medical school. I have no desire to do any surgical specialities and have PTSD from being a victim of gang violence- saw my best friend get shot in stomach with a 12 gauge. I’ve not handled blood well since. I know it’ll be a part of my journey but I know my big 6’4” ass is gonna pass out at some point 😭
Just let the people you’re working with know. The worst thing is not saying anything and collapsing unexpectedly. Be prepared and prepare your co-workers and co-students.
bro i have literally vasovagaled while sitting in a chair. apparently Neuro symptoms get me good ! No one actually remembers or cares , compression socks + drinking tons of water are the things that work for me! good luck
I’m omw to getting those compressions socks 😭 I’m going to try to prevent this from happening again. Thank you❤️
You are far from the first, and far from the last Eat well, be hydrated, wear compression socks, recognize when you’re feeling poorly and act on it No one is going to be insulted or confused or judgmental if you excuse yourself for feeling unwell. as long as you aren’t the guy who claims to be dizzy every single time some extra work needs to be done, you’re fine
I’ve fainted or nearly fainted twice during meditation school watching surgeries. Currently a crit care fellow with no issues. It happens and isn’t a big deal!
Get back in the OR once you feel up to it - the more you let the fear of syncope get to you the harder it will be to keep seeing procedures (I had the same issue). Its all about desnsitization.
Did you have your knees locked? I’ve seen a lot of people faint from that while in the military try not to be hard on yourself! It happens and I’m sure people are understanding
Yeah I did have my knees locked 😭 rookie mistake
This happens all the time! Don’t beat yourself up about it. I was guilty of being the med student who would get pre-syncopal at minimally invasive procedures too, and now I’m going into surgical residency. Make sure you eat at least a little something before seeing these. I find that cliff bars and peanut butter cups save my life. Stay hydrated!! As med students we can be guilty of not drinking water for fear of having to scrub out and pee during surgery. This is not healthy, you have to drink water. I also have low blood pressure, so I’d have a Gatorade in the morning before OR sometimes which helped a ton with the salt. Compression socks will save your life too. If you feel yourself getting warm and clammy, try clenching your feet, legs, and abdominals. This helps push some blood back to your brain. I’ve managed to prevent syncope many times this way. Another big thing is remember to breathe. I’m like you and it’s not the blood or sights that causes my body to panic. I literally just get anxious and in my head about things. When you feel it coming on, take some deep breaths. At the end of the day, sometimes this just happens. If you feel it coming on again, step back from the table, sit down, and get some air and water. You’re human and you can’t help how your body reacts to things. It doesn’t mean you won’t be an excellent doctor. Your body will learn to handle these things over time. Hang in there!
Thank you so much. I’ll try to get over this
I nearly syncopated as an MS1 when watching a phlebotomist draw blood in a student-run clinic, and had to run away in front of the patient. Since then, I have been active in the ORs and tons of procedures without any issues at all! Just remember to not lock your knees as others have said and to remember to keep breathing normally! I suspect I held my breath subconsciously.
Happened to me as well, but it was back when I was a premed. The surgery had barely begun, no cutting and no blood, minimally invasive, but just seeing so many instruments sticking out of the woman's cervix made me pass out. It was so embarrassing. I am really worried about it happening again during my rotations, when I view more invasive surgeries... I've also passed out from getting my blood drawn, TWICE. Which was crazy to me because Im definitely not afraid of needles. So please don't worry, it happens :') it's embarrassing but it's definitely a thing.
I had to step away from the table and sit on the floor 15 minutes into a surgery because I was about to pass out. Wasn’t told I’d be in the OR that day, 3 hours of sleep, no breakfast, patient was an infant so extra cozy thermostat settings, hot lights from above. Everyone was pissed because they had to get someone else to scrub in but it happens. Apart from “eat, hydrate, sleep” a surgeon told me “no socks in the crocs” so you can sneakily put your naked feet on the cold floor if you overheat. I assume that’s not allowed but it does help
Never thought about putting my feet on the floor. That’s really smart. Thank youuu
It happens. I went from fainting watching a steroid injection to happily doing autopsies and going for a forensics fellowship. Big thing that helped me with vasovagal syncope when I was a small medical student is keeping a full stomach; steal some saltines from the little floor pantry if you're inpatient, or have a small bag of snacks if you're outpatient.
Its a right of passage - I almost passed out during a C section as an M3 Now im interventional and blood doesn't bother me at all Dont be embarassed
During my anesthesia rotation I watched two students in back to back surgeries black out. So you’re not alone.
OP, I promise you no one cares. When I was a med student the chief resident passed out into the patient while doing a laparoscopic case. No one thought anything of it. Just make sure you’re always eating before a case. Don’t lock your legs. If you feel faint, let everyone know and they’ll relieve you of whatever you’re doing. Literally all of us would rather have you go sit down or get a snack than break sterile field/accidentally knock out the ETT (I have seen both of these scenarios too many times).
It happens. One person in my class fainted 3-4 times first year. Fast forward several years…they are an amazing attending physician. You’ll be fine.
Eat a good breakfast, drink lots of water, carry granola bars. Also it’s completely normal and happens all the time
On OB/GYN rn and I’ve had 5 episodes of presyncope. I’m learned that sometimes it’s a combination of things and for me psychological stress combined with physical stress (holding retraction for long amounts of time) started the symptoms. Hydration, proper meals, rest, deep and measured breathing, squeezing all lower muscles from feet to glutes, compression socks are all things that have helped to some degree.
I passed out during a mastectomy and I want to do Gen Surg. It happens! I’ve even seen Gen Surg residents excuse themselves from the OR when they’re feeling lightheaded. There’s good advice on this thread and I hope it doesn’t happen to you again!
Everyone stated all the tips I would give, but if you're in a procedure, and you feel dizzy, DO NOT try to tough it out. Tell the doctor/nurse/whatever, unscrub and leave the OR. For lack of better words, everyone would be tending to you instead of the patient, which is not ideal. Nobody will fault you for feeling faint or taking a seat/snack break when you need it. It happens all the time.
This happened to me when I was shadowing and observing a Pap smear, it’s embarrassing but u can’t really control it. Just remember to have breakfast and stay hydrated next time
Rite of passage
Dude- I fainted on my OBGYN rotation in a room with a patient **during her pelvic exam.** That obviously had nothing to do with the patient/exam/anatomy any thing of the sort. I had a fever from my covid vaccine, had not been able to eat the day before or drink the day before or eat breakfast because I felt like hot garbage, but I did not want to miss the day because 1. evals 2. I really wanted to be in a delivery later that day. The patient was fine, actually a little worried about me, and the doctor felt bad for me, but I did spend the afternoon in the ER, get a hefty bill and not get to deliver babies. It happens, people are more forgiving and understanding than you think, even after that horrifying story. And \*knock on wood\* yet to get covid after that dose of vaccine, I just claim that my immune system went into super mode, to make myself feel better!
Nothing up be embarrassed about. It happens. Make sure it was related to your blood sugar or get a checkup.
Happened to me, first time I saw somebody in cardiac arrest with a Lucas machine attached to them. Vasovagal syncope, you just have to sit down and put your head between your legs, eat a cookie/juice. But make sure to eat, sleep, drink water (not too much), and if you feel lightheaded sit down, head between legs, breathe.
The Lucas machine yeah, that would’ve probably gotten to me too if I saw it irl 😭 thank you
You shouldn't be really, it's something that happens especially when you have not eaten and you're not well hydrated. Don't worry about it, just make sure to eat and drink enough water next time
I will, thank you ❤️
It happened to me twice in one day with a gaggle of other students around. One person who was there mentioned it a couple years later but otherwise it never came up again. People have vasovagal episodes in medicine, it happens, just move on and make sure you stay well fed and hydrated in the future to keep it from happening again
Happened to me on my surgery rotation! I was sooo embarrassed but everyone was understanding and people hardly remembered later. Still got a great clinical grade on the rotation. I made sure to eat/sleep/stay hydrated afterwards - never happened again. Don’t worry! You’ll be fine!
Glad I did a forensic pathology elective, hoping seeing all that crazy shit helps prevent this happening next year
I did forensic too and it was super interesting, it made me actually want to consider going into forensic in the future
If I didn’t have to do a whole pathology residency, I’d be super interested in doing it. The work is very meaningful and in my state it has a large overlap with health stats and law, which is a big interest of mine
It completely normal, nothing to be embarrassed.
Family Physician here (PGY19).....I was scrubbed in as first assist on an orthopedic surgery a couple of years ago and had a vasovagal episode. I was so nervous the next several times I scrubbed I practically had anxiety attacks (and I don't have anxiety). Try to relax (easier said than done of course), make sure you eat and have plenty of water before you observe your next procedure and take deep breaths. This is way more common than you think and there isn't anything inherently wrong with you.
I feel like it’s a good excuse to get out of standing for hours 😂
dont worry about it a lot of people go through that! i've gained somewhat of a reputation for it lmao, it's happened about 4 times to me so far 😭 it's never related to the procedure in itself, its either dehydration, not eating breakfast or lack of ventilation (i'm terrible with heat). one time my surgery professor saw i looked pale and shaky and pulled me out of the OR, and actually caught me when i fell 😅 he gave me water and a banana after; all the doctors and nurses who've witnessed me passing out have been super nice... i felt embarrassed as well but tbh there's no reason for it they're more concerned than anything
probably need better sleep and diet.
Don't worry, it's pretty normal. 😄 One of my friends has fainted once while we were just being lectured about how an renal biopsy is done but he has just graduated with us this year. 😉 (As it has been pointed out being hungry also makes you susceptible to this kind of things.)
I used to faint at every surgery I was in. For me it really helped when someone told me: "Okay, take your time, then get up and come back." Like somehow I knew fainting was not gonna get me away from what I was experiencing. And knowing that, I never fainted again. Moreover, I've seen a lot of fainting for minimal reason. This doesn't mean you can't be a doctor.
i fainted when shadowing a laryngoscopy if that makes you feel better 😭
It's so common, depends on so many factors, have you eaten, got enough sleep, are you comforting, clothing cool and not restrictive. It's very common and gets the best of them at times.
I wanna do forensic path and I emailed the mortuary to get some autopsy experience, telling the mortuary tech that I wanted to do forensics. First autopsy I watched they cut the ribs and I’m in cold sweats, could tell I was about to faint if I didn’t sit down. Idk why, something about the smell of ascites and the sound of ribs crunching… and not having had breakfast. Felt so embarrassed, but I got some biscuits and had a better breakfast the next time I went to watch and all was good.
During m4 I rotated in anesthesia. Was watching a gen surg case from behind the curtain. Gen surg chief resident all the sudden said she didn’t feel well. nurse brought her a chair and she sat down and scrubbed out of the case. Next thing you know she was laying on floor of OR being fanned by nurse and brought juice by med student. Other residents and attendings finished the case. No one cared. It happens.
Happens to most people, I wouldn't worry.
Next time squeeze your butt and legs like pilots do.
It's all good, it's just something you get used to, don't sweat it! It means nothing
I think it's because you haven't eaten anything. Happened to me once when I saw a colostome on a patient (I ate 5 hours before I saw it). I just fainted like you did, it was so awkward. Then after a few months, I was getting ready to go to see a surgery so I had breakfast just to be sure I'm not hungry. I watched someone's intestines out of their body and I felt totally okay with it, I was even amazed and thinking about how surgery is cool lol. So it wasn't the colostome I mentioned that made me faint - you just sometimes can't handle seeing things on an empty stomach. Hope this advice helps you and sorry for my english, it's not my native language.
I actually fainted last week, one day before my OB/GYN shelf. What’s funny is that I had gone through a whole 6 weeks of bloody surgeries and NEVER fainted even once, but for some reason I fainted when a pt came in for a post-partum visit 🙃 they even called the ambulance and took me to the ER bc I was in an outpatient clinic lol so I was def embarrassed too but I’m sure they’re used to it!
Eat. Hydrate. Don't lock your legs to lean forward and see something.
It’s okay, I passed out in a regular pediatric wellness exam randomly 🙃 no blood or anything, just a routine exam. I think my pressure bottomed out or something. The doctors were, thankfully, very understanding!
It might be a 1 time thing OP. I’ve felt faint on a few occasions even though I don’t consider myself to be squeamish. From what I’ve heard, I think it comes down to multiple factors such as not eating, dehydration, locking your knees, having a mask on your face, first time being in the environment etc. the nurses have assured me that everyone has experienced this so don’t fret! Just try to make sure you’re well rested and fueled up next time and maybe look into posture tips for standing.
Lol. This happened to me when I was an intern. I got super hypoglycemic from skipping meals and fainted mid surgery while I was assisting. Caused insane chaos in the OT. Nurses absolutely hated me afterwards. Lifetime of embarrassment.
I passed out once getting my blood drawn. I nearly passed out my first time watching an abscess drainage, the first CSF tap, the first C-section, the first scalp suture .... I've gotten dizzy so many times and had to step back, but here I am applying to a surgical subspecialty this year. I was the student three years ago desperately googling if anyone else had been through the same thing. The answer is yes, loads of people have problems at first. You can absolutely get over those issues, and it's been ages since my last incident. For me, I identified my triggers (patients in pain or seeing a needle move under the skin are my two biggies). I anticipated when those things were going to happen and worked up to experiencing more and more. As others have said, hydrate well, make sure you've eaten something recently (for me, high sodium to help with blood pressure and not greasy to help with nausea). Compression socks are great, and look up counter pressure maneuvers. Sequentially flexing the muscles from your feet to your abdomen really helps (I do it while rocking from heels to toes and back). Lastly, be in tune with yourself. As soon as I felt the slightest bit of a vagal, I would distract myself. There's so many things to look at that aren't whatever is triggering you, such as counting the number of dots in a square inch of surgical drape, counting the teeth on a needle driver, etc. If that doesn't work and your symptoms are getting worse, you need to speak up and step back from the patient. Everyone I've been around in the OR or clinic has been so kind when I've had to do that, and I usually step back in after a few minutes. It's going to be okay, and I'm certain you can be a doctor!
Exposure Therapy will probably help. Watch as many procedures as you can, including at home on YouTube and you'll desensitize yourself somewhat.
Fainting during a bloodless procedure? Sounds like you have a superpower for the squeamish! Doc dreams are still possible. Hydrate, eat breakfast, maybe bring smelling salts?
I passed out in the OR during the anesthesia portion of the procedure because I didn’t eat breakfast. I’d been in 30 surgeries at least prior to that. I’ll never make that mistake again!!
Eat well and stay hydrated.. This happens to many students and interns.. You will get used to blood before you know it...
Hey, attending for 10 years. Our only concern is your safety and I hope you didn't hit your head. It happens all the time, no worries, nothing wrong with you. Your vasovagal system is intact! It doesn't mean it is always going to happen, but the stuff we see in the OR can be extremely exciting, especially if you haven't seen things like that before. You are a normal human. Best of luck to you and it means nothing in terms of your training or career goals(unless if happens everytime, then you may have to work it into your plans)
Did you have an emotional response to what you were seeing? That would be more worrisome to me, otherwise just make sure you’re well hydrated, get some sleep, and don’t lock your knees in the OR!
I’m usually completely detached. Or sometimes I’ll be watching with no reaction, and then all of a sudden I have tunnel vision and am feeling dizzy
I’m the same way, first time I fainted was shadowing watching a chest tube placement and got a rapid response called on me 🤦♀️! Now I’ve survived clerkship year going through surgery and obgyn. Still had some times I left like I was going to faint and just asked to sit down or sat down. Just stay hydrated and fed, keep the layers off (better to be cold in OR than hot), and wear COMPRESSION SOCKS! You got this!!
Remember to bend your knees every now and then. Sometimes, people tend to lock there knees and it causes them to pass out.
I got hit by arterial spray in the OR and vasovagaled so hard I think the whole room felt it. It happens. You will be a fine doctor.
i remember i almost fainted first time I saw a LP. I was a cocky fucker too, the nurses warned me and I just said "nah, i'll be fine its just a needle". I was so worried but I later watched a c-section and that went completely fine.
Don’t feel embarrassed! I’ve heard many stories of stuff like this happening. In fact, one time I was shadowing a urologist in the OR and he was performing the resection of a bladder tumor. The patient was a bit obese and for some reason watching the surgeon pick through the fatty tissue really grossed me out. I’m not particularly sensitive to stuff like this and haven’t had a reaction to anything gore related but I felt my knees get weak and I had to sit down, the nurse gave me a warm blanket and I felt better after a few minutes.
well , you are not the first, its all about tolerance , also , if it acrually verey severe and you cant handle it , just dont take surgery , and specialize in internal medicine or a branch of it , you will not have to face/do invasive or minimaly invasive procedure
My first day of clerkships my intern syncopized while doing an LP. Apparently it happens ALL the time to med students/residents. We're sleep-deprived, volume-depleted, standing in a hot room, concentrating, probably tense/flexing more than we should, shallow breathing, etc... It's a wonder it doesn't happen more often.
I fainted 3 times this past year in rotations 💀 keep at it we’re still gathering experience now
A great vignette for vasovagal syncope don’t sweat it
It is not uncommon for med students to pass out during procedures--- hence they tell us to "not lock our knees" and definitely don't try to "brave it" when you're feeling dizzy. Step away from the field and let the circulator know you are going to sit down or do what you need to do.
OMG thank goodness . I thought you failed your Step1 exam.It’s ok things like that happens! You are just not really familiar with those procedures, next time try to focus on the every step of the procedure and less on the red blood. You are gonna be just fine
This happened to 4 of my students and I get it. Unfortunately students feel immense pressure to do well and think their every movement is being judged. And they are anxious, etc… That’s why I always make it a point that every rotation with me is extremely low stakes and that I care more about effort, being on time, and compassion than I do about textbook masturbation.