Witnessing someone having a seizure can be a frightening experience, especially if you’re unsure how to help. Knowing what to do in these situations can make a significant difference in the person’s safety and comfort until emergency help arrives. Dr. Kerry Evans, an expert in emergency medicine, stresses the importance of staying calm and taking the right steps during a seizure. This blog will guide you through essential first aid tips for handling seizures effectively.
Stay Calm And Ensure Safety
The first and most important step when someone is having a seizure is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to confusion and hinder your ability to help. Focus on ensuring the person’s safety by following these steps:
- Clear The Area: Remove any objects that could cause injury, such as sharp or hard items. If the person is in a potentially dangerous environment, like near a busy road or in water, try to move them to a safer location.
- Protect The Head: Place something soft, like a folded jacket or pillow, under the person’s head to protect it from injury during convulsions.
- Do Not Restrain: It’s important not to hold the person down or try to stop their movements. This can cause more harm than good. Let the seizure run its course.
As Dr. Kerry Evans emphasizes that keeping the person safe and comfortable is the priority. Your role is to create a safe environment and provide reassurance.
Time The Seizure
Timing the seizure is crucial information for medical professionals. Most seizures last between one to three minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it’s considered a medical emergency, and you should call emergency services immediately. Provide them with details about the seizure’s duration and any unusual symptoms you observed.
Do Not Place Anything In The Mouth
Contrary to common belief, you should never put anything in the person’s mouth during a seizure. This can lead to choking or injury. People having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue, so it’s important to keep their airway clear without inserting objects.
Positioning After The Seizure
Once the seizure ends, gently roll the person onto their side in the recovery position. This helps keep the airway clear and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth. Stay with them until they regain full consciousness, offering reassurance and comfort. It’s normal for the person to feel confused or exhausted afterward.
When To Call For Emergency Help
In many cases, seizures resolve on their own and don’t require emergency intervention. However, you should call for emergency help if:
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- The person has another seizure soon after the first.
- The person does not regain consciousness after the seizure.
- The person is injured during the seizure.
- The person is pregnant, diabetic, or has no history of seizures.
Conclusion
Handling a seizure requires calmness, quick thinking, and knowing the right steps to take. Dr. Kerry Evans emphasizes that while seizures can be alarming, following these first aid tips can help keep the person safe until professional help arrives. Remember, your immediate response can provide comfort and protection, making a significant difference in their recovery. Stay informed, stay calm, and always seek medical advice if unsure of what to do.
