How to Keep a Person Safe
Understanding the Urgency: Witnessing a seizure can be frightening, but most seizures are not a medical emergency. They typically last a few minutes and stop on their own. The most important first aid is to protect the person from injury and to make sure their airway remains clear. Your primary goal is to keep the person safe, not to stop the seizure.
Immediate First Aid: The “Stay, Safe, and Side” Rule
If you are with someone who starts having a seizure, stay calm and follow these three simple steps:
- Stay with the Person
- Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them and time the seizure if you can.
- Make the Area Safe
- Gently ease the person to the floor if they are not already there.
- Clear the area of any hard or sharp objects that could cause injury (like furniture or glasses).
- Cushion their head with something soft, like a folded jacket or a pillow, to protect it from hitting the ground.
- Turn Them on Their Side
- Once the seizure has stopped, gently roll the person onto their side. This will help them breathe more easily and prevent them from choking on any fluid or vomit.
- Loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a tie or collar.
- Stay with them and offer reassurance until they have fully recovered and are aware of their surroundings.
Critical “Do Nots” in a Seizure Emergency:
- DO NOT try to hold the person down or stop their movements. This will not stop the seizure and can cause injury.
- DO NOT put anything in their mouth, including your fingers or an object. Contrary to a popular myth, a person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure, and you risk injuring them or yourself.
- DO NOT give them any food or drink until they are fully awake and alert.
When to Call Veer Emergency Care IMMEDIATELY:
While most seizures are not an emergency, you should call for professional medical help if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- The person has a second seizure right after the first one without regaining consciousness.
- The person does not wake up or their breathing becomes difficult after the seizure stops.
- The person is injured during the seizure.
- The seizure occurs in water (like a pool or bathtub).
- You know it is the person’s first seizure.
- The person has an underlying medical condition like diabetes or is pregnant.
Remember: Your calm and quick response can make a huge difference in keeping someone safe during a seizure. After you have ensured their safety and the seizure has ended, call Veer Emergency Care for expert guidance and assistance.