Seizures: Providing Safe and Supportive Care
A seizure, characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, can be a frightening experience for both the person experiencing it and those witnessing it. Seizures can manifest in various ways, from subtle changes in awareness to dramatic, full-body convulsions. While they often resolve on their own, knowing how to provide safe and supportive first aid during and after a seizure is crucial to prevent injury and ensure the person's well-being.
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we believe that understanding seizures and knowing how to respond calmly and effectively empowers individuals to be a source of help and comfort, rather than panic, during these critical moments.
What is a Seizure?
A seizure is a temporary malfunction in the brain's electrical activity. This can be caused by various factors, including epilepsy (a chronic neurological disorder), head injury, fever (especially in children), stroke, infection, low blood sugar, drug withdrawal, or even a sudden loud noise or flashing light.
Types of Seizures (Commonly Encountered in First Aid):
Tonic-Clonic Seizure (Grand Mal): This is the most recognized type. It involves two phases:
Tonic Phase: Body stiffens, person falls to the ground, may cry out.
Clonic Phase: Rhythmic jerking movements of the arms and legs. Breathing may be shallow, noisy, or temporarily stop, and the person may lose bladder or bowel control.
Absence Seizure (Petit Mal): Brief, sudden lapses of consciousness, often appearing as staring into space or subtle body movements like eye blinking or lip smacking. More common in children.
Focal/Partial Seizure: Affects only one part of the brain. Symptoms depend on the affected area and can include jerking of a limb, strange sensations, repetitive movements, or altered awareness.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms (Varies by Type):
Tonic-Clonic:
Sudden collapse/fall.
Stiffening of the body (tonic phase).
Rhythmic jerking of limbs (clonic phase).
Possible loss of consciousness.
Possible loss of bladder/bowel control.
Foaming at the mouth or drooling.
Blue-ish tinge to lips/face (due to breathing difficulties).
Absence/Focal:
Blank stare.
Lip smacking, chewing, fidgeting.
Brief unresponsiveness or confusion.
Repetitive, purposeless movements.
What to Do: Providing Safe and Supportive Care During a Seizure
Your primary goals are to protect the person from injury, keep them safe, and ensure their airway is clear.
Stay Calm: Panic helps no one. Your calmness can reassure others.
Protect from Injury:
Move Objects Away: Clear the area around the person to prevent them from hitting hard or sharp objects.
Cushion the Head: Place something soft and flat (like a folded jacket or pillow) under their head.
Do NOT Restrain: Never try to hold down or restrain a person having a seizure. You cannot stop the seizure, and you could injure them or yourself.
Do NOT Put Anything in Their Mouth: This is a common misconception. Do NOT put anything in their mouth (spoon, fingers, etc.). They will not swallow their tongue. You could break their teeth or injure yourself.
Loosen Tight Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around their neck to aid breathing.
Time the Seizure: Note the start and end time of the seizure. This information is crucial for medical professionals.
Monitor Breathing: During the clonic phase, breathing may seem irregular or stop briefly. As long as the jerking continues, the brain is usually getting some oxygen.
Stay with the Person: Remain with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully aware.
What to Do: After the Seizure (Post-Ictal Phase)
After the convulsive part of the seizure, the person may be:
Confused, disoriented, or drowsy.
Exhausted and want to sleep.
Agitated or aggressive (rare, but possible).
Experiencing a headache or muscle soreness.
Recovery Position: Once the jerking stops, gently roll the person onto their side (recovery position). This helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking on vomit or saliva.
Reassure and Comfort: Speak calmly and reassuringly. Tell them what happened and that you are there to help.
Allow Rest: Let them rest as long as they need to.
Do NOT Give Food or Drink: Do not offer anything by mouth until they are fully alert and able to swallow safely.
Check for Injuries: Once they are more responsive, quietly check them for any injuries sustained during the seizure.
When to Call 911 (or Your Local Emergency Number):
Call 911 immediately if:
This is the person's first seizure.
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
The person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between them.
The person is unresponsive and not breathing normally after the seizure.
The person is pregnant.
The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure.
The seizure occurs in water.
The person is injured during the seizure.
The person has a known medical condition (e.g., diabetes) that could be complicated by the seizure.
You are unsure about the person's condition.
Febrile Seizures in Children:
Fevers in young children (usually between 6 months and 5 years) can sometimes trigger febrile seizures. These are usually harmless, but can be frightening. The first aid is the same as for any other seizure: protect the child from injury, loosen clothing, and monitor. Call 911 if it's the child's first febrile seizure, if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if they have difficulty breathing afterwards.
Ready 4 Everything: Training for Compassionate Care
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, our comprehensive first aid courses include specific training on recognizing and responding to seizures. We emphasize the critical "do's and don'ts" to ensure safety and effective care. Our instructors guide you through practical scenarios, building your confidence to manage these challenging situations with composure and competence.
Empower yourself to provide safe, supportive, and truly life-saving care during a seizure.
Your Action Item: Could you confidently and safely assist someone having a seizure? Sign up for first aid courses for your organization today to gain the vital knowledge and practical skills to provide compassionate and effective care during a seizure emergency.
