Seizure First Aid 101

It is extremely important to understand how to react when a person has a seizure. My family are the only ones who know exactly how to handle my seizures. When I have had a seizures in public, paramedics, firefighters or any first responders did not know what to do.

There are so many signs people miss while I have seizures. If you do not get seizure first aid, then sometimes you might be putting a person at risk to die or make the situation worse.  

Here is the correct way on how to handle a person who is about to have a seizure. I'm going to explain to you the right from wrong signs  on how to approach a seizure. 

Sign 1 : Look to see if the person is responsive

Sign 2 : If the person looks like he/she is going to fall 

Sign 3 : If the person is hot or crying for no reason

Sign 4 :Check for a medical ID bracelet or any way of contacting relatives 

Sign 5: The person is standing and staring with shaky hands 

Now that you've learned the signs to be aware of, it is time to take actions and help the person. Below are guidelines on how to help a person having a seizure. 

Do:  Grab the person if they look like they're about to lose their balance, try to block their fall

Don't: Stand there and watch them seize

Do:  Lay them on their side to prevent them from choking 

Don't:  Lay a person on their back because they might choke

Do:  Let the seizure finish 

Don't: Tell the person to stop seizing

Do: Find something soft for the person to put their head on and remove tight items (scarf or glasses)

Don't: Let them lay their head on a hard surface or keep tight things on (scarf or glasses)

Do: Stay with the person during and after the seizure and remain calm during the procedure

Don't: Step back and panic during the procedure 
(The person seizing will feel the same way as the person helping them. If you're anxious, the person seizing will feel anxious )

Do: Time the seizure and look for a medical ID bracelet/ Any identification showing a history of having seizures

Don't: Lose track of time and assume its the first time a person is having a seizure

Do: Stay by the person seizing at all times and contact relatives

Don't:  Leave the person having the seizure and call paramedics right away

(Only call paramedics if the seizure last more than 5 minutes) 

Do: Check for a pulse and responsive signs by asking questions calmly

Don't: Perform CPR right away and ask the person questions fast 

Do: Wait for a person to stop seizing and ask if they want to get up slowly 

Don't: Help a person up while seizing and rush them from getting up 

Do: Talk to them calmly and let them know they are safe

Don't: Put any negative attitude towards the person after the seizure 

Do: Explain to the guardian/ relatives on how you handled the situation

Don't: Lie and pretend like nothing happened 

Do: Feel happy you did something good 

Don't:  Feel regret or ashamed on how you handled the situation 

Here's a quick message about my first aid seizure life: 

Hope you enjoyed and learned a lot about how to approach a seizure! ☺