Seizure First-Aid


Seizures are often unpredictable. They can occur at any moment, in any place. Though they may look life-threatening, seizures are usually not medical emergencies. Most end naturally after a few seconds without ill effects, and do not require emergency care.

Following the seizure, the person may need a brief rest period, and will soon be able to return to his or her normal activity.

First aid procedures for seizures are simple and easy to learn, but many people are unaware of what to do. The most dangerous first aid myth is to stick something in the person’s mouth during a seizure. One should never stick anything in the mouth as this can seriously injure the person.

There are proper first aid measures to take for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.

If this is a first time seizure, observers can help provide vital information for the doctor or neurologist. This can be very helpful in making a diagnosis of epilepsy, and in identifying what type of seizures are occurring.

WATCH SEIZURE FIRST AID VIDEO


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Stay Calm Prevent Injury
Make Person Comfortable Do not place object in person's mouth
Do not hold down or restrain person If seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call 9-1-1




Steps to follow during a tonic-clonic seizure

  • Stay calm
  • Prevent injury by ensuring there is nothing within reach that could harm the person during the seizure.
  • Time the seizure, if the seizure continues for longer than five minutes, call 911
  • Try to make the person as comfortable as possible e.g. laying a jacket as a pillow under their head
  • Keep onlookers away
  • Never attempt to restrain the person as both people could become injured during the seizure, remember to consider your safety as well.
  • Never put anything in the person's mouth. Contrary to popular belief, a person having a seizure is incapable of swallowing their tongue. Attempting to force a foreign object into someone's mouth during a seizure can cause serious damage to a persons gums and teeth.
  • Do not give the person water, pills, or food until fully alert
  • Be understanding and supportive, and offer to take the person to a place where they can relax.
  • Turn the person on their side, it is easier to breathe and this allows for any saliva to drain