Seizure Recognition and First Aid

Recognition

• Sudden cry, fall and rigidity followed by muscle jerks
• Blank stare, lasting only a few seconds
• Blank stare, followed by chewing, non-relevant activity

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What to do

• Stay calm. Seizures are common – 1% of the population has them. Most last less than 3 to 5 minutes. Stay with the person and talk in a reassuring manner.
• Look for medical identification: bracelet or neck tag
• Protect head, if needed
• Loosen clothing from around neck
• Turn persons’ face to one side, to keep airway clear if individual has fallen
• Time seizure and note what is happening
• Only do CPR if person is not breathing after seizure has stopped

What NOT to do

• Do not restrain arms and legs
• Do not try to open or put anything into their mouth
• Do not shout or expect immediate responses from person
• Do not give any liquids
• Do not attempt CPR during the seizure

Call EMS

• If one seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• Multiple seizures, one right after another
• If patient remains very confused or weak on one side after the seizure is over.
• Pregnant, injured or diabetic
• If not breathing after seizure has stopped, start rescue breathing

Notify their family, giving them as much information as you can about the episode. Family can then notify the primary physician as to further treatment, if necessary.