Seizures:
Around 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure sometime during their lifetime. You may need to help someone during or after a seizure.
You may be asking yourself: Do I call 911? Seizures do not usually require emergency medical attention. The most important thing you can do is to keep the person safe and comfortable.
While there are many different types of seizures, most end in a few minutes. There are some simple things you can do to help someone stay safe during a seizure:
- Stay with the person until the seizure ends and they wake up.
- You should pay attention to how long the seizure lasts, if it is longer than usual (or the first time), call 9-1-1.
- Ease the person to the floor and turn them on their side.
- Remove any sharp objects nearby and support their head.
- When the person wakes up, comfort them and speak calmly.
- There is nothing you can do to stop a seizure, so don’t try to hold them down. Restraining them could confuse them and cause them to become defensive.
- Do not try and force them to drink or eat anything, including medication, as this could cause the person to choke.
While most seizures do not require emergency medical care, you should call 9-1-1 if the person:
- Has never had a seizure before
- Has difficulty breathing or walking after the seizure
- The seizure has been going on for more than 5 minutes.
- Another seizure occurs after the first one
- The person injures themselves during the seizure
- The seizure occurs in water
- The person has health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or they are pregnant.
By following these tips, you can properly assist someone having a seizure.