first aid for seizures

Here's the dos and don'ts about what to do with someone that is having an epileptic seizure:


Do

1. Protect the person from injury. Remove any potentially hazardous objects nearby and loosen any ties or scarves the person might be wearing.
2. Cushion their head.
3. Look for any medical identification card or jewelry that the person might be wearing.
4. Aid breathing by turning the person into the recovery position.
5. Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
6. Be calm and reassuring. DO NOT PANIC!
7. Explain anything to them that they might have missed. Why? Because some seizures may look like the person isn't paying attention.


Don't

1. "Shake and shout" (Meaning: shouting at the person or shaking them to see if they'll "come out of the seizure."
2. Restrain the person's movements.
3. Put anything in the person's mouth. IT IS NOT TRUE THAT A PERSON CAN SWALLOW THEIR TONGUE!!!
4. Try to move them unless they're in danger.
5. Give them anything by mouth until they fully recover.
6. Above all, DO NOT freak out! You're just going to make matters worse, not better.

When should you call an ambulance?

1. If you know for sure that it's the first time the person has had one.
2. If the seizure lasts for 5 minutes or longer. (Time it)
3. If the person isn't breathing or has signs of a serious injury.

-jessi