How do we stop the military fainting?

A taboo subject in the Armed Forces - fainting is devastating for those it happens to and can be widely misunderstood.
Major Iain Parsons, a cardiology doctor, is trying to solve the problem - carrying out the first study ever to investigate fainting in the UK military.
Subscribe to Forces News: bit.ly/1OraazC
Check out our website: forces.net
Facebook: / forcestv
Instagram: forcesnews...
Twitter: / forcesnews

[@iainbaker6916]

Saw this first hand in a nicely air conditioned TA centre. It happens. So long as you don’t crack your head on the floor you will be fine after a few mins. Only thing that gets damaged is your pride.

[@johnallen7807]

"air conditioned TA centre"?? blimey what unit were you in?

[@stevenbreach2561]

@@johnallen7807 RAF?

[@maryseling5801]

I HATE when people try to implant themselves into a story. So here, stfu!

[@Charles2k]

@@maryseling5801 Sharing his experience in the TA is a given that he is a part to the story, no? So what's the problem? It's not like he's being narcissistic on a platform of which people are free to comment whatever they feel.

[@patriot4786]

Fainting in a air conditioned room?? 🤣🤣

[@Backs4more]

Standing on tarmac in the sun as the heat is reflected back up, with a thick, tight wool jacket with a cross belt, normal belt, wool trousers or kilt and dark coloured headdress with no vents has absolutely nothing to do with fainting 🙄

[@inthebleakmidwinter9338]

It’s locking your knees that causes it.

[@Backs4more]

@@inthebleakmidwinter9338 absolutely not. It’s a “myth” that’s been spread around for years. The tv program myth busters even took it on with the help of the US Marines. Nothing.

[@based_prophet]

No a bear fur headress lmfao that ways like 8 to 12 lbs depending on era they might use nutsac hair now imported from afghan

[@james9311]

Holding a 5kg Rifle and bayonet with no change arms in 20 minutes 🤣

[@pendragonU]

@@inthebleakmidwinter9338 LOL

[@bendgeddes]

I blame the crusty old Brigadier who thinks his 20min speech is important!😤

[@billseventy6825]

Hell they were good if it was 20 min or less !!!!

[@pendragonU]

Brigadier is just holding a piece of paper, if not held a top of a lecturer to hold on to at a podium stage. Not on the melting pavement in garrison Boots, holding a lbs heavy piece wearing a fur pelt for headgear

[@tjlocust]

“No evidence that staying hydrated works” “Drinking lots of water can help”

[@ThePierre58]

I served with US Military in Iraq. Hydration was paramount. We Brits have shocking attitude to drinking water. I recall reading of Infantry soldiers in Basra heaving after night patrols in a APC! Watch the USMC training videos for hydration, you cannot drink too much water in a desert climate. I did 11 years driving armoured fuel trucks along the MSR in Iraq.

[@Hungry_Box]

Drinking a bolus of water before parade, isn't the same as remaining hydrated 24/7. Being hydrated doesn't help, but being hydrated and then loading up on water does.

[@onfg9246]

Don’t lock your knees

[@pendragonU]

@@onfg9246 specially if you pee on yourself. So bad it's also unnatural to don't let your organs to pee for hours when full. Don't lock your body and brains?

[@pendragonU]

Drink all you can't pee right after seems also a brilliant recipe. The problem seems to lay out of healthy physiques functions....and malfunctions _CAUSED by faulty routines commanded.

[@533nicky]

"...in a heat chamber, somewhere in a university in Yorkshire a CIVVY is being tortured, all in the name of military science...for the first stage of Major Parson's experiment, she is dressed in a rather fetching rubber skirt, and strapped to Major Parson's 'tilt' table...' I'm just going to leave this sentence out there and allow the comedy to work itself out.

[@seanfire7679]

Some 'dirt' splat inside my head 🤣

[@pendragonU]

They are just sadistic and sexist savages addicted to old vicious routines they are looking for alibis to continue Problem isn't like if this military routines abusive times stretched too long, no... They are somehow led to believe it's the normal healthy bodies of fit young people what must be at fault to fulfill. "Let's spin them to see how far in foolhardiness we can drive them into collapsing." Nothing wrong with that, right... they did experiments to find fitting military goals or desired extremes envisioned by those scientists in Auschwitz too, so what could be wrong with "Science" to provide Military goals again?

[@vaughanthomas3627]

So we need to send all the guards to Spain for two weeks "training" before the trooping of the colours. 💂🏼‍♀️👍

[@billseventy6825]

Nope they just need to bring back the old "discipline" !!! of the British Army from the 80's through 90's...... I served back then and did a couple of Parades for Royalty "Visitors" ,,, Fair one I wasn't wearing " Bear Headress" but hell we were stood out in the friggin sun for long periods of time waiting to start .. Dont get me wrong I've got alot of Respect for those that have served in the Uk Forces no matter what Regt,Corp, or what ever but the My MAIN BUG is the LACK of goddam discipline I keep seeing .. ALOT of people will NOT understand wth I'm onabout BUT Someone who Served before 1998 ,should if they think about it know exactly what I'm on about !!!!

[@mbogucki1]

@@billseventy6825 Old Man Yells At Cloud moment. 😅 Why back in my day we did full gear forced marches with only a thimble of tea for the whole platoon. And it was uphill...both ways! None of us fainted, young pups these days I tell you, no stiff upper lip or anything. 🤣

[@billyvinilly8104]

I only fainted once. It was on a 36hr show parade to find out who stole the Raz man’s pace stick. The shame was, the bloke who stole it fainted in an hour and spent the rest of the time in the med centre

[@doger944]

Haha I bet you hated him after that!

[@andrewbazeley7274]

If you are a guardsman on parade the temperature is greater because their uniforms are so thick and they have to wear a bearskin headdress , it’s the worse feeling you can ever have , feeling faint and there is nothing you can do about it

[@cullenwear8419]

One really simple thing that helps. Don't lock your knees.

[@JDSFLA]

2:53 I would conjecture that fainting is more common in the British forces than U.S. because the U.S. has large areas that have a significantly hotter climate and people are more used to it. Also, southerners make up 41% of the U.S. military, but only represent 33% of young adults nationally. So, there are a higher percentage of soldiers in the U.S. military who are more used to high temperatures. Personally, when I bought a house in Florida I really felt overwhelmed by the heat and high humidity in the summer when working in my yard. Several years later it is still very uncomfortable, but I definitely withstand it better.

[@Lukeclout]

Active US military. Dont know how the standards for Drills-Parade is across the Pond But we were and are still actively told during parade ceremonies - Not to lock our knees - Make small movements to prevent muscles nerves 'locking up' -Hydrate

[@Laters3]

@@Lukeclout are you in the usmc mate. And respect ✊🏻 to you for your service. All the way from the Isle of Man 🇮🇲. I stand with my brothers & sisters of the Isle of Man 🇮🇲 & England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿& the USA 🇺🇸.

[@Lukeclout]

@@Laters3 no mate. I am Army Infantry.

[@stevenbreach2561]

It's not just hot weather that causes"flaking".Skipping breakfast,and standing still for long periods,and the restrictive military uniforms also don't help

[@thomasnew2113]

Don’t lock your knees. First thing you learn in boot camp.

[@bb3585]

The primary reason soldiers faint while standing at attention is locking one's knees. It's easy to do this without realizing it as your legs get fatigued. I was in an Army ceremonial unit, and we were taught to constantly move our knees very slightly while standing at attention. In three years, no one in our unit fainted. I saw lots of other soldiers faint, though.

[@psotos]

Exactly! I was about to post the same. I have never fainted in a formation, even the hours long one at 82nd DIV review. Bend your knees! No study needed!

[@Jaxck77]

No, this is not factually correct.

[@psotos]

@@Jaxck77 Yes it is. I am speaking from experience.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Very interesting

[@npzwane9331]

That is correct. Slightly moving your knees helps a lot since fainting is caused by the fact that one is standing yet not moving. I think that the heart in such situations finds it difficult to pump the blood (my own view). Moving your toes also helps. Also moving your eyes around looking for something that may amuse you. Although you will not laugh but holding back the laughter causes one to feel refreshed blood moving all over the body

[@thomasnew2113]

Don’t lock your knees. The first thing you learn in boot camp. I’ve stood at attention for hours sometimes in horrible conditions and never passed out over twenty years.

[@AveTrainOnDaTrack]

I think there’s much more to it than that, I fainted one time in formation and I made sure that my knees weren’t locked and that I was wiggling my toes. It was a warm day but not extremely hot, I guess it just depends on the person

[@Zamandu]

@@AveTrainOnDaTrack Did you even watch the video?

[@pendragonU]

You may not be Normal and with truly Healthy body functions. It's abnormal the standing at attention, not watches where you can move at garrison booth every now and then. These parades troops are made to stand still for hours

[@thomasnew2113]

@@pendragonU Stood for many hours at times with intermittent parade rests, mostly for ceremonies on a monthly basis. Never passed out. Semper Fi.

[@JackkDevil]

By personal experience the main reason is that you stand in formation for even 2 or 3 hours before the VIP come so you are already exhausted before the event starts.

[@pendragonU]

The other idiotic factor compounded by nincompoops at the command is not even allow their troops to shift arms holding the weapon. They maybe think of it as a weakness of bodies, not common sense in preventing cramps or fainting altogether from cardiovascular failure when performing physical exercises. The failure is psychological from those "in charge"

[@nicflatterie7772]

Hours on parade on multiple occasions. Never fainted. Wiggling toes, move weight from one feet to the other, don’t lock your knees, breath. And it’s not just temperatures, it happens when it’s cold too (Nov 11 parade can be freezing in Canada). The most dramatic I have seen is when the bass drum fell! Hard to be subtle about it ;)

[@pendragonU]

Wiggling, feet shifts, knees.... Why commander in charge can't much more simply make own troops move one step every now and then, to avoid all that dancing within skeletons, and prevent body failures, keeping by it fighting alertness up? Why to keep troop ranks paralyzed to dropping points? It's not like they are hunting birds and must stand like pointer hounds

[@moirapettifr7127]

Keep properly hydrated! Ironically, do not drink too much water at that stage but imbibe a drink that balances out your electrolytes. Water will only dilute out your electrolytes. They used to give salt tablets to my uncle in Vietnam before the days of sports drinks. My spouse and I were on a tour in the middle east and it was very hot 106° but dry and we were wobbly and dizzy. So we stopped at a small store and found 2 bottles of Gatorade and felt so lucky. Everyone else was looking at us like we were crazy but it probably saved my husband's life I'm not kidding.

[@extremelycreativeusername]

I'm not part of the armed forces, but I was doing foot drills with my squad for a promotion test in the police corps when I almost completely lost my balance and vision, my head was spinning and I felt like throwing up. I stumbled about for a few seconds and accidently stepped on my squad mate's polished dress shoe, I thought I was gonna drop dead. Luckily, I spread my legs in time to prevent myself from fainting and fell out to take a seat on a bench nearby. This was outdoors in a tropical country where the sun was blazing, the weather was over 30 degrees Celsius, and the humidity was reaching 100% for some context

[@williameddlewis4625]

dose any one in the forces remember going to hot climates and having to do pt to acclimatize

[@Fiirow1]

In Denmark troops are allowed to tilt their weight to the toes and then push off with their feet (while at rest), at parade it looks like they're bobbing up and down in water... But as a result, fainting is very rare during parades. They don't move anywhere, but it does stimulate the bloodflood enough to prevent/ reduce chance of fainting. During 5 years I saw a total of 1 person faint, she was already sick and medicated - so she didn't feel the unpleasentnes, which resulted in her standing completely still until she fainted.

[@michaelmulligan0]

Solution, cooler uniforms, more movement and don’t leave them there so long

[@mbogucki1]

That's common sense. Military does not use common sense.

[@clintskinner1508]

Something that always worked for me whenever I felt i was going to pass out was focus on a spot infront of me, take deep breaths through the nose and out through the mouth, 10 -15 times usally does the trick. It brings oxygen back to the brain.

[@Key_highway]

As an Australian soldier, who has had to do drill in northern Australia for extended periods, it’s literally just a part of the job admittedly our uniforms are deliberately designed to be cooler

[@robinlecomte1242]

In 1968, the Olympic Games where held in Mexico City, known for its high altitude above sea level (2,300m) as well as environmental issues. As many teams had not competed in such an environment previously, there was a determined effort to get teams to Mexico, prior to games opening, so that athletes could acclimatize prior to the games starting. From this event, athletes then looked to how to acclimatize, improving sporting endurance, which led to may sporting related science studies, that produced ways to improve sporting ability and wining outcomes.

[@themaskedbanana9714]

I served with a guy that literally passout out from drinking too much water. Our unit had a 100% UA and everyone finished except this one guy in my platoon. He was downing water all morning and couldn't go pee. Our First Sergeant made him stay until he could. Well dude drank so much water he passed out, hit his head extremely hard and was taken to the hospital on post. Later that day the leadership came to us and said, "Pvt *redacted* has a 50/50 chance of survival. I remember thinking to myself, "I'm literally going to die before seeing combat, in a garrison environment." Come to find out him drinking so much water was a result in him getting Hyponatremia.

[@SuperBigblue19]

I have the same problem whenever I am asked for urine at the docs, always have. Even have had to go & as soon as I get the cup, nothing. Too much water has killed people. You just drink a normal amount of water & wait. Sooner or later, you'll go. I had to wait up to 3hrs before.

[@moirapettifr7127]

Yes, very good points made! Hyponatratremia is very dangerous. Young athletes training in hot humidity can die from drinking too much water. Luckily a very smart coach created Gatorade and started a sports drink craze that wasn't actually that crazy! It saved lives and not just athletes.

[@whya2ndaccount]

32 Degrees and high humidity - welcome to PT in Northern Australia.

[@alanmacification]

It happens all the time. If you don't want to faceplant, don't lock you knees or stand too stiff. When I was a kid cadet in high-school, we were told that if we felt faint, we shouldn't fight it, just step out of rank and march off parade.

[@Kevc00]

If you're on parade on a ceremonial occasion you do not walk off parade because you're light headed, also a lot of ceremonial units train people to "faint to attention"

[@nicflatterie7772]

In the regular forces it is quite taboo to kneel down. Walking out was not even considered! No to save your pride, you have to fall. I have seen a guy pass out on the march, drop his rifle and stab the guy in front in the feet. We had bayonets on...

[@gyakuto7775]

My students used to faint in, ironically, my physiology labs and occasionally my anatomy classes (9/10 the women students who generally have lower blood pressures than men of the same age). The video doesn’t really say WHY it happens but hints it’s due to decreased perfusion of the brain (what else?). Thus having more circulating volume, more sodium and better cardiovascular reflexes, thus maintaining or even increasing blood pressure will help. Better still, issue walking stick seats!

[@pendragonU]

Why it happens, a.b.u.s.e. of physical bodies made to stand still by longer periods than healthy and unnecessarily. You can keep troops marching longer hours, than just keeping them standing motionless for minutes like if palace statues without end... or smarter management with more practical and efficient orders not reaching risks increased by time of over exposure. Moderation is key to any endeavor success, abuse is recipe factor for the opposite

[@muhazreen]

Wow, im mght civillian in tropical climate But this is great research since my sister gonna get commission as reservist on next year I hope i can learn from the result of this experiment later on Thanks for sharing Sir

[@2x2is22]

In my experience, it was troops who were up until 4am drinking the night before that passed out in these

[@andrewbazeley7274]

Why do your legs feel feel hollow when you are dizzy whilst training at the gym or standing up quickly

[@franciscote974]

"Just wiggle your toes!" They said.

[@willfoster2635]

Hands up - I've fainted on parade.

[@genwoolfe]

Ill fitting boots (inc the lack of proper socks or insoles) were a major contributing factor; as was tight fitting headgear (too small/pushing on the forehead). Boots should be at least one size larger than everyday footware & wide enough to allow normal circulation & so should No2 dress shirt collars.

[@jackboggis270]

I can confirm that fainting on parade is not pleasant

[@jasonmeehan1269]

Don't drink ten pints the night before, trust me I know.

[@varkgriep]

Woa! 32 degrees? that's almost mildly hot!

[@georgerobert4709]

I can recall it happening several times when I was at AAC Arborfield in the 70's. (Not to me I might add) It was just accepted as part of the game.

[@robnewman6101]

Fainting on the Queen's Birthday Parade. The Queen's guards try not to faint as temperatures soar.

[@colorado841]

Another thing that helps.....do it indoors for short periods with the ac turned on.

[@AussieBloke]

Interesting but how do commanders then implement this into their training program in cooler climates?

[@Wonmanbanned]

Here’s a radical idea. Change the uniform to something suitable. There, done.

[@mwa5704]

Low blood pressure could also be a resulting outcome of sauna due to the body sending more blood to the surface of the skin to cool off as sweat evaporates. This causes blood pressure to lessen, making you feel light-headed, nausea and fatigued, blur vision, and even loss of …

[@spud444]

Today was my first day in army cadets, we were learning how to Stand in ease, then to shift to attention stance. We practiced for so long, all the blood went to my head, and I didn’t eat enough before the session, and I ended up passing out, and I woke up in sick bay xD today was an overwhelming experience. I was shaking, crying, hard breathing, I was in shock, I literally couldn’t make out reality. Hats down to these soldiers, it’s quite an experience to go through!

[@rybread1241]

You're not alone my friend! Similar situation happened to me too (air cadet), not fun. I hope you're enjoying cadets otherwise though :)

[@HeadShotPR]

Locking knees and not hydrating is the cause

[@cra139]

Don't lock your knees

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

Believe me it's absolutely horrible place for one to be in this situation, especially as we had SLRs hot or cold it's not nice,

[@HunterDFtwo]

I found when I was on parade that if I passed out it was due to tiredness.

[@frogsplease4165]

To dismiss hydration is pretty damn bold…

[@nancypatterson2215]

It's because they lock their knees. When it's a humid & hot day, & you are at attention, then parade rest, soldiers forget that if they lock their knees, the lack of blood flow will cause them to collapse/faint.

[@paulmcgee1867]

I live in Spain how do they manage? Do you consider what other countries do and maybe look at options like tweaking uniforms for summer days?

[@paulmcgee1867]

@Ryan yes however too warm still?

[@jackllams2360]

You still get charged if you dont faint at attention in the grenadiers

[@barsdogukankarakoyun8798]

DO. NOT. LOCK. YOUR. KNEES.

[@Tyrannosaurus_STFU_III]

Day 1 at recruit training.. Don't lock your knees

[@charlieknibbs6203]

I’m going to be a guard of honour at a memorial on Remembrance Day (location not being shared due to privacy/ safety) and I’m so scared I’ll faint! Hopefully this will help haha.

[@s4ss.m8]

Bend your knees slightly and wiggle your toes every now and then, Don't have heaps of water, but make sure you have enough to get you through. And always go to the bathroom beforehand. Even if you don't have to. Just Force it out And pick something to look at, you'll be looking at it for awhile mate.

[@s4ss.m8]

And remember if you feel yourself start going. Tilt your head up ever so slightly and look slightly towards the skyline not straight up but slightly and do the squared breathing technique, in mouth 1234 out nose 1234 and repeat, and just keep your thoughts calm. Don't panic

[@s4ss.m8]

Listen to the NCOs if you aren't one and follow along.

[@charlieknibbs6203]

@@s4ss.m8 thank you so much! I only made Cadet LCpl a few weeks ago and don’t want to make a fool f myself haha

[@s4ss.m8]

@@charlieknibbs6203 i made WO2 but phased out a month before I was able to do my CUO course Wish you all the best of luck mate and don't ever stop doing Cadets, no matter how much it sucks or how hard it can get, you've made Lance so just keep it up and show you're a natural born leader. Remember the 3 factors, courage. Initiative and teamwork

[@willb9259]

Stop locking those knees boys

[@bb3585]

Exactly right.

[@bostonarchie3194]

What does that mean?

[@willb9259]

@@bostonarchie3194 when you stand at attention or parade rest in formation for long periods of time with your knees locked it messes up blood flow and you will pass out. We were taught to slightly bend your knees in formation and never lock them for this reason. I was active duty for 3 years and have only seen one guy pass out, it was the new private too 😂

[@bostonarchie3194]

@@willb9259 oh right I see thanks 😂

[@theflyingG725]

Our method was to viggle in a slowly manner back and forth whild standing still so all your weight didnt get pushed down to your heels, this prevents the stopping of blood flow and opens for the circulation of the blood so that you ultimatley dont pas out (or so we were told by our sergents and officers) source: Me being in the Royal Life Guards (Den kongelige livgarde)

[@echo_94]

Hydrate and DONT LOCK YOUR KNEES

[@murnoth]

Has anyone ever mentioned "posture" as a major factor? They're always standing with legs straight and locked out and an anterior pelvic tilt which cuts blood flow. Having studied 16th century martial arts, I know to stand with a soft bend at the knee and a lower center. I know everyone has their formalities they honor, but base your formalities more on natural posture

[@npzwane9331]

I can assure you that you may do everything suggested here but it will not help you if immediately before the parade especially the day before, you drink some soda. Yes the surest way to faint is drinking soda, alcohol and such other drink. Also having your stomach full is part of the list. Again eating some types of food especially that which you are not used to. Therefore during the rehearsals make sure you take note of the foods that give you some discomfort during the rehearsals and refrain from eating such food the day before and on the morning of the parade. Lastly don't forget to do adequate PT. It's the backbone of your survival

[@Cybernatic]

Keep a little movement going. You be Allright. Most peppel lock up and blood have difficulty moving around.

[@robnewman6101]

Queen's Guards try not to faint as temperatures soar.

[@misterawesome5723]

I passed out once. So embarrassing.

[@PeterWasfield]

I’d rather die then faint still

[@lindawolski3173]

Can’t they make the uniforms more lightweight for summer wear?

[@TRIP730]

Tight SD hats and tight collars can have something to do with fainting I reckon.

[@KrisShaw100]

If it's more prevalent in British soldiers than US counterparts, I'd bet that the local climate plays a role

[@ar568]

British drill is much more strict than the US'.

[@JDSFLA]

@Ben Woodcock I always dress in fur and wool when I drill, lol.

[@eclipsegfxable]

@@ar568 Don't make me laugh.

[@North305]

our lot got round it by chewing gum and keeping hydrated. idk why

[@noneofyourbusiness3343]

Half of these guys probably had their knees locked lock ur knees for too long and u pass out they taught us that in the army

[@jordyracer95]

Common sense would be to allow for regular water breaks but BA don't accept that your stood for hours in the same position in the baking heat and there wondering why people faint 🙄

[@croikeyaustralianbetamales3432]

i got heat exhaustion just sitting outside the barracks at catterick LOOOL

[@xr6lad]

Honestly I’m all for respect and that as I love the Queen but seriously are we not beyond making people stand guard rigidly like that for hours on end. It’s almost a punishment.

[@larrycanupp411]

If you lock (and tense up) both your knees, while standing at attention, thus curbing your circulation , you will pass the F out in about 20 minutes. I was a SGT in the US Army. There was always one cherry-ass recruit that falls down during a large formation. If you just relax one's knees and think happy thoughts as that scary-ass General looks over your uniform, you will not pass out.

[@lukey391]

Don’t lock your knees

[@TFRANCO101]

Dont lock your knees!

[@robnewman6101]

Wiggling toes keeps the blood flowing.

[@maxb5957]

Max was here

[@young.angry.devildawg]

don’t lock out your knees.

[@filipinorutherford7818]

Mmm heres a thought if you wear winter uniforms in 30 Degree heat the you are going to have people falling over left and right. In the Australian military we have short sleeve uniform for Summer and long sleeve uniform for winter. Maybe have a Grenadier guard uniform for unusual summer heat of 30 degrees plus or have shorter parades?

[@KillingDeadThings]

Problem in the UK is we can have all seasons in one day lol XD

[@stuartmccreadie8258]

When we were were posted overseas in the 50's and 60's we were billeted initially in a special camp to become acclimatised. At our locations in Aden and Kuwait the temperature reached 140-degrees and we fried eggs on the tank's hull for the press boys who were in attendance. But having also been on Queen's escort in London in June in my light dress uniform I cannot imagine how those guys in the guards managed it being stock still in their uniforms. For the record I never heard of a soldier being charged for fainting.

[@gazs4731]

Too much pomp and circumstance. No military personnel should be made to stand to attention in full dress uniform or battle dress uniform for periods of time nor in high temperatures for periods of time.

[@inthebleakmidwinter9338]

Why? It’s their job.

[@nightfury8440]

That's literally what they are paid to do... besides it's England all it is is pomp and circumstance.

[@michaelmulligan0]

Or hold trooping of the colour in morning when it’s cooler

[@robnewman6101]

This is like looking at the Future.

[@altaylor3988]

Vascovagal Syncope

[@teggyegg]

seems a little weird to say its a myth that it's hydration related, then suggest drinking just before might help but also suggest maybe don't because you might want to wee

[@michaelmulligan0]

Would a more accurate experiment not be have her standing at attention for hours in uniform?

[@NewMinority]

Kids faint in army cadets

[@robnewman6101]

Drink lots of water. Wiggle your toes. Eating Salt up to four times.

[@based_prophet]

Increase in activity n heat exposure not being fit enough n bad hearts n ppl who had extra heat strokes r more prone

[@paddydamen8035]

Proper breakfast in the morning is critical, and the old Die Hard trick, move your toes, and concentrate on 12 midday on the clock. Worked when I was in anyway.

[@robnewman6101]

Fainting on the Queen's Birthday Parade.

[@Defender721]

Don’t lock your knees problem solved

[@me3851]

Don’t lock your knees. Simple.

[@P53eud0nym05]

Their uniform is thick AF including the bearskin hats. Doesn’t help.

[@Reticulosis]

“More common in British military than US (military)” Me* treasonous laughter

[@robnewman6101]

Looking to the Future for Medicals.

[@WizardOfCheese]

doesnt sound healthy for the sake of tradition. if its hot enough that they know some will faint, change it up, do something differently. the public will understand, you'd hope at least. drinking the day before wont help though! ha.

[@yordygarcia1242]

Hydrate

[@eclipsegfxable]

Inb4 idiots saying "Stop locking your knees"

[@phonotical]

Keep tensing up and then release it, the same way fighter pilots combat changes in G force so they don't black out, if there's anybody you should be taking advice from it will be them You'd be forgiven for thinking of an ass and elbow situation!

[@sexy_garbage]

2:00 is this Philomena 😂

[@bullterror5]

Give them shorter shifts maybe? What's so "Hard" about having your teeth smashed?

[@theyearwas1473]

Maybe teach them not to lock their knees?

[@josephbaldwin4913]

Don't lock your knees and drink plenty of earth sauce the day before.