Sunday, December 7, 2008
What do I do if I see someone having a seizure?
What do I do if I see someone having a seizure?
The goals of first aid for a seizure are to allow the seizure to finish on it’s own, call for medical assistance if it does not, and help keep the person as safe as possible until it stops. You should lead the person away from dangerous items such as stoves and machinery, help them to the floor so they do not fall, roll them to their side (in case they vomit) and loosen any tight clothing (such as neckties). Most seizures stop on their own in less than 2 minutes. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is less likely to stop on its own and medical assistance (e.g. the EMTs) should be called. After a seizure, the person may be confused. Try to talk to them in a calming voice, but do not try to restrain them unless they approach dangerous equipment — it is usually best to just let them "walk it off."
The goals of first aid for a seizure are to allow the seizure to finish on it’s own, call for medical assistance if it does not, and help keep the person as safe as possible until it stops. You should lead the person away from dangerous items such as stoves and machinery, help them to the floor so they do not fall, roll them to their side (in case they vomit) and loosen any tight clothing (such as neckties). Most seizures stop on their own in less than 2 minutes. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is less likely to stop on its own and medical assistance (e.g. the EMTs) should be called. After a seizure, the person may be confused. Try to talk to them in a calming voice, but do not try to restrain them unless they approach dangerous equipment — it is usually best to just let them "walk it off."
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