First
Aid for Seizures
In all types
of seizures, the goal is to protect the person from harm until
full awareness returns.
If you are living with or caring for someone with a seizure
disorder who has other medical problems, check with the doctor
about how to respond when a seizure occurs. Find out whether
the doctor should be notified every time or just in certain
circumstances. Ask whether or when you should call an ambulance
and if there are any special warning signals to watch for.
Also note
the general rule:
The less done to a person during a relatively brief seizure,
the better.
1. Keep
Calm.
Seizures may appear frightening to the onlooker.
They last only a few minutes and generally do not require medical
attention.
Remember that a person having a seizure is probably unaware
of his/her actions and may or may not hear you.
2. Protect
from further injury.
If necessary, ease the person to the floor.
Move any hard, sharp or hot objects well away.
Protect the person's head and body from injury.
Loosen any tight neckwear.
3. Do
not restrain the person.
4. Do
not insert anything in the mouth.
The person in not going to swallow their tongue.
Attempting to force open the mouth may break the teeth or cause
other oral injuries.
5. Roll
the person on their side after the seizure subsides.
This enables saliva to flow from the mouth, helping to ensure
an open air passage.
If there is vomit, keep the person on their side and clear out
their mouth with your finger.
6. Talk
gently to the person.
After any type of seizure, comfort and reassure the person to
assist them in reorienting themselves.
The person may need to rest or sleep.
If the person wanders, stay with them and talk gently to them.
