Convulsion, first aid

Alternative names:

seizure-first aid

First aid:

1. When a seizure occurs, the main strategy is to try to keep the victim from injury. Try to protect the victim from falls. Lay the victim on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area around the victim of furniture or other sharp objects.
2. If the victim requires restraint, place him on his side.
   
   
3. Without limiting the movements of a person having a seizure, loosen any tight clothing, particularly around the victim's neck.
   
   
4. If vomiting occurs, try to turn the head so that the vomitus is expelled and is not inhaled into the lungs or windpipe.
   
   
5. In an infant or child, if the seizure seems to be the result of high fever, cool the child gradually, using a dampened sponge or cool compress and tepid water. An appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used. DO NOT, however, immerse the child in a cold bath.
   
   
6. After a convulsion, most victims go into a deep sleep. Don't prevent the victim from sleeping. He or she will probably be disoriented for awhile after awakening.
   
   
7. Stay with the victim until recovery or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor their vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).
   
   
8. When the victim awakens, determine if he has had previous seizures and whether he is presently on medication for such a condition. Encourage him to take his prescribed medication.
   
   
9. If the victim is a diabetic or suspected to be, sugar can be administered. If the victim is unconscious, sugar granules or liquid glucose can be placed under the tongue. If conscious, the diabetic can consume a sugary beverage, food or concentrated liquid glucose.

Do not:

• DO NOT restrain the victim.
  
  
• DO NOT place anything between the victim's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers).
  
  
• DO NOT move the victim unless he or she is in danger or near something hazardous.
  
  
• DO NOT try to make the victim stop convulsing--they can't control themselves during a seizure.
  
  
• DO NOT perform rescue breathing on a seizure victim, even if they are turning blue. Most seizures end long before brain damage would begin.
  
  
• DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the victim is fully awake and alert.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The convulsion lasts more than two minutes or there are recurring seizures (more than one episode per hour).
• The victim does not awaken between seizures.
• The victim is ill, injured, or intoxicated.
• The victim has never had convulsions before.
• The victim is a diabetic or has high blood pressure.
• The victim is pregnant.
• The victim had a seizure in water.
• The victim seems weak and feverish after the seizures have stopped.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial