How do I help someone having a seizure?
If someone is having a tonic-clonic seizure, DO:
-help ease the person to the floor
-position them on their side so saliva can drain out of their mouth
-put a soft object like a folded up jacket or a pillow under their head
-clear any furniture away that they might bump into
-remove glasses and loosen tight clothing around the neck
-keep calm. the person having the seizure may appear to be in pain but they are unconscious
andcan't feel anything during theconvulsions
-try and minimize the amount of people gathered around. it doesn't feel so good to wake up to an
audience after a seizure -when the
person regains consciousness, let them rest if they want to, and offer help home if they need it
-note the length of the seizure, and check for medical ID
DO NOT:
-leave the seizing person
-force anything into their mouth. they CANNOT swallow their tongue, and trying to force open the
mouth could lead to teeth or gum damage
-don't try and restrain them. the seizure cannot be stopped
-don't offer the person anything to drink until they are fully aware
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO CALL THE AMBULENCE UNLESS:
-the person does not start breathing after the seizure
-the person has seizures lasting longer than 7 minutes without regaining consciousness
-the person has recurring seizures without consciousness regained inbetween seizures
-the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes
-it is a first time seizure (no medical ID)
If someone has an absence seizure:
there is no first aid necessary for absence seizures.it is helpful to the person to inform them a
seizure has occured and inform them of any information they may have missed.
If someone has an atonic seizure: make sure they didn't hurt themselves during the fall.
No first aid necessary for myoclonic seizures
If someone has a complex partial seizure, DO:
-speak to them reassuringly
-try to avoid touching or agitating the person
-gently lead the person away from harm (stairs, traffic, etc.) if necessary
-note length and time of seizure
-stay back from person who acts angry or aggressive
DO NOT:
-try and restrain the person
If someone has a simple partial seizure:
-provide emotional support
-speak reassuringly
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