Understanding and Responding to a Seizure: Life-Saving Actions

When someone has a seizure, every second counts. Whether you witness a seizure in an adult or a child, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. This article guides you through the crucial steps to take to provide effective assistance while ensuring your safety and that of the person affected. Learn how to recognise a seizure, respond appropriately and understand when it is urgent to contact the emergency services.

First steps: identifying a seizure

Seizures are characterised by involuntary muscle contractions, which may be localised to one part of the body or generalised. Symptoms include jerking movements of the limbs, loss of consciousness, clenched jaws and, sometimes, irregular breathing. It is crucial to distinguish a seizure from other medical emergencies such as fainting, as the appropriate response differs.

How to respond effectively during a seizure

When you witness a seizure, the first thing to do is protect the person from injury. Move dangerous objects away, place something soft under their head and turn them onto their side to help them breathe. Never try to open the person’s mouth or insert anything between their teeth. Time the seizure, as one lasting more than 5 minutes requires urgent medical attention.

After the seizure: monitoring and precautions

Once the seizure has ended, keep the person on their side in the recovery position and check whether they are breathing normally. It is common for someone to be confused or tired after a seizure. Offer your support and reassure them while waiting for the emergency services to arrive if you have called them. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional to assess the cause of the seizure and help prevent recurrences.

Training to save lives: first aid training

This skill is an integral part of first aid training, specifically in the IAS 1 and IAS 2 courses, but it is not covered in the BLS-AED-SRC training programme. Learning first aid can save lives not only during seizures but also in a wide range of other emergency situations. The courses are open to everyone and are particularly recommended for people caring for young children or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.