As an experienced fainter (a real fainter! see a cardiologist) then IMO there are 2 types of faints I have had the absolute collapse to the floor and you cannot break your fall in anyway you are just DOWN. You can feel yourself falling and everything goes black but no chance at all to put hands out/break yourfall.
Other kind is like a milder form its some where inbetween the above and the feeling of feeling dizzy and needing to sit down. Its like your vision goes blurry, maybe see spots. And you cant stay upright you need to be down but have a chance to lower yourself/put your hand out so you dont smack your face off a wall.
Gillians faint was an odd one - sort of broke her fall herself but SEEMED like the first type I described as fell backwards.