Knowing how to respond to a seizure is crucial in saving the victim’s life. After a seizure, turn the victim onto their side, ensure they regain consciousness before sleeping, and call 911 if necessary. Take note of the seizure’s duration and location and clear the surrounding area. Stay calm and focused, and encourage the victim to rest until medical help arrives.
Watching someone having a seizure can be a frightening experience, but acting promptly can help save the victim’s life. Simple steps can be taken to ensure the safety of both the victim and witnesses of the seizure, so understanding what to do after a seizure is a crucial step in the first aid process. When a seizure has subsided, the first thing to do is turn the victim onto their side so that saliva or vomit can flow out of the mouth. This prevents choking and prevents airway blockage.
It is not uncommon for a victim to want to sleep after an attack. Sleeping is fine, but you should be sure the victim has regained consciousness after a seizure and before falling asleep. If the victim has another seizure without regaining consciousness after the first one, call 911 immediately. If you know this is the victim’s first attack, call 911 immediately. Another indication that a seizure may be serious and require medical attention is if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. The strain on the body can cause a number of serious health problems, so the victim will need medical attention as soon as possible.
Make note of how long and where the seizure took place, what the victim was doing before the seizure, and any other pertinent information that could help emergency services or a doctor evaluate the problem. This should be done after the victim has been turned onto their side and made comfortable enough to rest. Be sure to clear the surrounding area of any hard or sharp objects the victim might collide with if she were to have another seizure ensuing; this should have already occurred during the seizure, but if not, double-check while the victim rests.
Like any other first aid, its effectiveness varies depending on your ability to stay calm during and after an attack. Fear is often contagious, and if you lose your temper, others are likely to panic as well, further exacerbating a bad situation. Take deep breaths and focus on helping the victim. When the victim regains consciousness, she may be disoriented or frightened. She talks to them calmly and tells them what happened. Encourage them to rest until they feel stable again or until emergency services arrive. When emergency services arrive, step away from the victim and give medical personnel the space they need to do their jobs effectively.
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