#FirstAidForSeizures #EpilepsyAwareness #IHaveTonicClonicGrandMalSeizures #IHaveEpilepsyButEpilepsyDoesntHaveMe A person experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure or a simple partial seizure that has become convulsive requires first aid. Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, one seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness, or the person is seriously injured. Sometimes we can get confused as to when to start counting the 5 minutes. There is quite a bit that can go on before the actual seizure part take place, yet you know it is coming. The 5 minutes we start counting is when you hear that first gasp/yell of intake of air, the person then goes unconscious, and counting stops at the gasp and or yell again for intake air. This is your 5minute count, not the whole seizure period itself. The goals of first aid are to prevent injury, maintain an open airway, provide reassurance to the patient and bystanders, recognize an emergency condition, and know when to call for help. Guidelines for helping someone having a seizure: Help the person lie down as soon as possible. Turn the person onto one side and put a soft object (e.g., pillow, sweater, jacket) under their head. Lying on the side allows secretions to drain from the mouth; prevents the inhalation of secretions; and allows the tongue to fall forward, keeping the airway open. Do not try to hold the tongue. Look for a medical alert bracelet, pendant, or wallet card. If a medical alert ID or other documentation indicating that the person has epilepsy cannot be located, call an ambulance. If the person is pregnant or diabetic, call an ambulance. Do not put anything into the persons mouth. During the initial phase of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the jaw muscles tighten and it is impossible to open the mouth. Forcing an object into the mouth can damage the jaw or teeth. Loosen ties and collars. Remove harmful objects from the immediate area. Do not restrain the person in any way. Restraining while the person is rigid or having convulsions may cause broken bones or bruising. Restraining someone having a complex partial seizure may provoke them into aggressive behavior. Remain with the person until they are completely aware of who they are and their environment, stay calm, and offer reassurance to the person and to bystanders. Staying calm and speaking to quietly during the whole seizure period is a must. Should the person be prone to having cluster seizures, it is super important here too, to stay calm, quiet and speak to in that calm tone, yet as you would in daily conversation. Even though in a convulsant state a certain amount of voice and goings on around the person is felt during the seizure.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 00:20:22 +0000