How to Help Someone Having a Seizure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Witnessing someone having a seizure can be a frightening experience, but knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in ensuring their safety. Seizures can vary in their presentation, but there are general steps you can follow to help someone during and after a seizure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in those critical moments.

Understanding Seizures

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. Here are the basic types you might encounter:

• Generalized Seizures: Affect both sides of the brain and can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, or staring spells.
• Focal Seizures: Start in one area of the brain and can cause various symptoms depending on the region affected.

Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Someone Having a Seizure

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Stay Calm: Your composure will help the person having the seizure and anyone else around.
• Time the Seizure: Note the start time of the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes, seek emergency medical assistance.

2. Ensure Their Safety

• Clear the Area: Remove any sharp or hard objects that could cause injury.
• Guide to the Ground: If the person is standing or sitting, gently guide them to the ground to prevent a fall.
• Protect the Head: Place something soft, like a folded jacket, under their head.

3. Do Not Restrain Them

• No Restraint: Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements. This can cause injury.

4. Turn Them on Their Side

• Recovery Position: If possible, turn the person gently onto their side. This helps keep the airway clear and prevents choking if they vomit or have excess saliva.

5. Keep Objects Away From Their Mouth

• No Objects in Mouth: Do not put anything in the person’s mouth, including fingers or objects. They cannot swallow their tongue, but putting something in their mouth can cause injury.

6. Loosen Tight Clothing

• Loosen Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a tie or scarf, to help with breathing.

7. Stay With Them

• Stay Present: Remain with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully awake. Reassure them as they regain consciousness.

8. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

• Be Supportive: After the seizure, the person may be disoriented, tired, or embarrassed. Offer gentle reassurance and let them know what happened.

9. Monitor Their Condition

• Check Breathing: Ensure the person is breathing normally. If they have difficulty breathing after the seizure, call for emergency medical help immediately.
• Provide Information: If emergency services are needed, provide them with details about the seizure, including its duration and any unusual symptoms.

10. Know When to Call for Emergency Help

• Call 911 if:
  • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
  • Another seizure begins immediately after the first.
  • The person has difficulty breathing or regaining consciousness.
  • The person is injured during the seizure.
  • The person is pregnant or has a known health condition like diabetes.
  • The seizure occurs in water.

After the Seizure

• Post-Seizure Recovery: After the seizure, allow the person to rest. They may need a few minutes to several hours to fully recover.
• Offer Assistance: Help them get home safely if they are confused or unable to navigate on their own.
• Follow Up: Encourage them to contact their healthcare provider to report the seizure, especially if it is a first-time occurrence or if there are changes in seizure patterns.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to respond to a seizure can make a significant difference in the safety and well-being of the person experiencing it. By staying calm, ensuring their safety, and providing appropriate support, you can help manage the situation effectively. Educate yourself and others about seizure first aid, and consider attending a first aid course to be better prepared.

For more information and resources, visit the RP Epilepsy Foundation. Together, we can support and empower those living with epilepsy.