Do You Know Seizure First Aid?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 people may have a seizure in their lifetime. A seizure is a change in the brain’s electrical activity that can cause a variety of symptoms, including violent shaking, falling and losing bodily control. However, because there are different types of seizures, symptoms can vary.

Knowing proper seizure first aid is important so that you can help keep a person who is having a seizure safe and prevent further injury. General seizure first aid includes the following:

• Clear the area immediately to prevent possible injury.
• If the person is standing, gently guide them to the floor. Roll them on their side and cushion their head.
• Do not attempt to hold the person down or put anything in their mouth while they are seizing. Doing so could cause injury.
• Time the seizure. If the person has epilepsy and the seizure lasts longer than three minutes, call 911.
• Call 911 if any of the following apply:
• The person is pregnant.
• The person has never had a seizure before.
• The person does not regain consciousness after the seizure.
• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

For other seizure first-aid tips, please visit the seizure first aid section on CDC’s webpage.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention