5 ways to help when someone is having a seizure
Share
5 Ways to Help Someone During a Seizure
Seizures can be unexpected and frightening, both for the person experiencing them and for those nearby. However, with a little knowledge and preparation, you can provide crucial support. Here are five effective ways to help someone during a seizure, ensuring their safety and well-being.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Environment
Your first priority is to remain calm. Panicking won’t help the person experiencing the seizure. Instead, take a moment to assess the surroundings. Ensure the person is in a safe place and remove any objects nearby that could cause injury, such as sharp items or furniture they could bump into. If possible, gently guide the person to the ground to prevent a fall.
2. Protect Their Head
Once the person is safely on the ground, place something soft under their head, like a jacket, pillow, or even your hands, to cushion it and prevent injury. If they are already on the ground and cannot be moved, make sure their head is protected by moving any nearby objects out of the way.
3. Turn Them on Their Side
After protecting their head, carefully turn the person onto their side. This position helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking, especially if they vomit during the seizure. It also prevents saliva from blocking their airway. Ensure their mouth is clear of any objects, but never try to force anything into their mouth, as this can cause injury.
4. Time the Seizure
It’s important to time the duration of the seizure. Most seizures last between one and three minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if the person has another seizure right after the first one, call emergency services immediately. Prolonged seizures can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
5. Stay with Them and Offer Reassurance
After the seizure subsides, the person may be confused, disoriented, or exhausted. Stay with them until they fully regain consciousness and are able to communicate. Speak calmly and offer reassurance, as they may feel frightened or embarrassed. If the person is injured or continues to feel unwell, seek medical help.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond during a seizure can make a significant difference in the outcome for the person affected. By staying calm, ensuring their safety, and offering support, you can help them through a challenging and potentially dangerous situation. Remember, your quick and compassionate actions could be lifesaving.
If you want to learn more about epilepsy and how to support those living with it, consider getting involved with organizations like the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, which works to raise awareness and provide resources for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Every effort counts in making a positive impact.
Seizures can be unexpected and frightening, both for the person experiencing them and for those nearby. However, with a little knowledge and preparation, you can provide crucial support. Here are five effective ways to help someone during a seizure, ensuring their safety and well-being.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Environment
Your first priority is to remain calm. Panicking won’t help the person experiencing the seizure. Instead, take a moment to assess the surroundings. Ensure the person is in a safe place and remove any objects nearby that could cause injury, such as sharp items or furniture they could bump into. If possible, gently guide the person to the ground to prevent a fall.
2. Protect Their Head
Once the person is safely on the ground, place something soft under their head, like a jacket, pillow, or even your hands, to cushion it and prevent injury. If they are already on the ground and cannot be moved, make sure their head is protected by moving any nearby objects out of the way.
3. Turn Them on Their Side
After protecting their head, carefully turn the person onto their side. This position helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking, especially if they vomit during the seizure. It also prevents saliva from blocking their airway. Ensure their mouth is clear of any objects, but never try to force anything into their mouth, as this can cause injury.
4. Time the Seizure
It’s important to time the duration of the seizure. Most seizures last between one and three minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if the person has another seizure right after the first one, call emergency services immediately. Prolonged seizures can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
5. Stay with Them and Offer Reassurance
After the seizure subsides, the person may be confused, disoriented, or exhausted. Stay with them until they fully regain consciousness and are able to communicate. Speak calmly and offer reassurance, as they may feel frightened or embarrassed. If the person is injured or continues to feel unwell, seek medical help.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond during a seizure can make a significant difference in the outcome for the person affected. By staying calm, ensuring their safety, and offering support, you can help them through a challenging and potentially dangerous situation. Remember, your quick and compassionate actions could be lifesaving.
If you want to learn more about epilepsy and how to support those living with it, consider getting involved with organizations like the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, which works to raise awareness and provide resources for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Every effort counts in making a positive impact.