Steps to follow when someone is having a seizure
Knowing what to do and how to react during medical emergencies could save a life.
It is important to know how to identify a seizure and how to help the patient.
A seizure, also known as a fit, is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affects how it works.
Seizures don’t only happen when one is awake but could also happen while they are asleep.
Local medic and CERT-SA spokesperson Ruan Heyns said seizures can affect people in different ways depending on the part of the brain affected.
“Some seizures cause the body to jerk and shake, while others cause problems like loss of awareness or unusual sensations,” he said.
“They typically pass in a few seconds or minutes.”
In a social media post, Heyns said the main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures.
He said seizures can also be triggered by a strong feeling of tiredness.
“For many people with epilepsy, seizures seem to happen randomly,” he said.
According to CERT-SA, these are the steps to follow when someone is having a seizure:
– Only move the patient if they are in danger, such as near a busy road or hot cooker.
– Cushion their head if they are on the ground.
– Loosen any tight clothing around the patient’s neck, such as a collar or tie to aid breathing.
– Turn them onto their side after their convulsions stop.
– Stay with the patient and talk to them calmly until they recover.
– Note the time the seizure starts and finishes.
– If the person is on a wheelchair, put the brakes on and leave any seatbelt or harness on.
– Support them gently and cushion their head, but do not try to move them.
– Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. They should not have any food or drink until they have fully recovered.
Heyns said it is important to carefully observe the patient and look out for pointers that would need medical attention from qualified specialists.
Here is when to call an ambulance:
– If it is the first time someone has had a seizure.
– If the seizure lasts longer than usual for the patient.
– If the seizure lasts more than five minutes and also if you do not know how long their seizures usually last.
– If the person does not regain full consciousness.
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