SEIZURE FIRST AID
People who have Epileptic seizures, and children with high fevers, mostly do not need medical care. If you see someone having a convulsive seizure without other problems, do "First Aid for Seizures" listed below.
This describes the simple, common sense steps to take to seek first aid when responding to a person having a seizure. First-aid isn't complicated, but it involves a sequence of actions and some detailed knowledge.
Contrary to popular belief, a person having a seizure is incapable of swallowing their tongue so you can breathe easy in the knowledge that you do not have to stick your fingers into the mouth of someone in this condition.
The Goals of first aid are to:
- prevent injury,
- maintain an open airway, turn head to the side - do not place anything in mouth
- provide reassurance to the patient and bystanders
And to recognize an emergency condition, and know when to call for help.
Guidelines for helping someone who is having a seizure:
1. Help the person lie down as soon as possible.
2. Look for a medical alert bracelet, pendant, or wallet card.
3. If a medical alert ID, or other documentation indicating that the person has Epilepsy can not be located, call an Ambulance.
4. If the person is pregnant or diabetic, call an Ambulance.
5. Turn the person onto one side and put a soft object (e.g., pillow, sweater, jacket) under their head. Lying on the side allows secretions to drain from the mouth; prevents the inhalation of secretions; and allows the tongue to fall forward, keeping the airway open. Do NOT try to hold the tongue.
6. Do NOT put anything into the person’s mouth.
During the initial phase of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the jaw muscles tighten and it is impossible to open the mouth. Forcing an object into the mouth can damage the jaw or teeth.
7. Loosen ties and collars.
8. Remove harmful objects from the immediate area.
9. Do NOT try to move the person unless they are in danger. Do not attempt to bring them round
10. Do NOT restrain the person in any way.
Restraining while the person is rigid or having too many convulsions may cause broken bones and bruising.
Restraining someone having a complex partial seizure may provoke him or her into aggressive behavior.
Speaking in a quiet voice, act as if having a normal conversation.
11.Remain with the person until they are completely aware of who they are and their environment, stay calm, do not act in a way that could frighten them, such as making abrupt movements or shouting at them
12.Do not give the person anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered.
A person experiencing a generalized TONIC-CLONIC or a SIMPLE PARTIAL SEIZURE that has become convulsive requires first aid.
Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if you know it is the person’s first seizure, if one seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness, if the person is seriously injured, or if you believe the person needs urgent medical attention.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
The person loses consciousness; the body stiffens, and then falls to the ground. This is followed by jerking movements. A blue tinge around the mouth is likely. This is due to irregular breathing. Loss of bladder and/or bowel control may occur. After a minute or two the jerking movements should stop and consciousness may slowly return.
Simple Partial Seizures
Twitching, numbness, sweating, dizziness or nausea; disturbances to hearing, vision, smell or taste; a strong sense of deja vu.
Absence Seizures
The person may appear to be daydreaming or switching off. They are momentarily unconscious and totally unaware of what is happening around them.
First aid is not necessary for someone having an ABSENCE SEIZURE.
They experience a temporary lapse in alertness and need monitoring to ensure their safety.
Complex Partial Seizures
Plucking at clothes, smacking lips, swallowing repeatedly or wandering around are symptoms. The person is not aware of their surroundings or of what they are doing.
Someone having a COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURE may wander or look confused but does not require first aid. It is helpful to calmly and gently guide the person away from harmful objects or situations. Do not attempt to restrain the person. Stay with the person until recovery is complete.
It will help if you write down everything that happened before, during, and after the seizure, as it is very seldom that the doctor gets to see the person actually in one.
If you were with the person before the seizure, noting what they did or said, or any skin changes that occurred, or particular eye movements, is very important. Were they acting strange, were the pupils enlarged, were they out in the heat.
Many things that happened just before could have brought the seizure on. Was this seizure different than others you are used to this person having? If so, how did it differ? Was there a different 'warning' or "aura"? Did it take longer to come out of the seizure this time, than others?
These are just a few of the things that can be very important information for your doctor.
