Why pressing the neck can make someone faint

Your neck has a big tube called the carotid artery. It brings blood to your brain so you can see, think, and stay awake.

If someone presses that tube or the spot near it, the brain might get less blood or the body might slow the heart down. That can make a person feel dizzy and fall down — that is called fainting.

Easy rules to remember:

• Never press or squeeze someone's neck. It is dangerous.
• If you see someone holding their neck or looking dizzy, find a grown-up right away.

If someone faints (falls down and is not awake right away):

• Shout for an adult or call for help.
• If an adult tells you to, lay the person down on their back and gently raise their legs a little so blood can go to the head.
• Do not put anything in their mouth. Make sure they can breathe.
• If the person does not wake up or is not breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Remember: never touch someone's neck. Always tell a grown-up if you are worried.