Forcibly Restraining or Giving Water During an Epileptic Seizure Is Dangerous: Learn the Correct First Aid Procedure..
An epileptic seizure can be a frightening experience for anyone—not only for the person experiencing the seizure but also for those standing nearby.
Consequently, people often make mistakes out of panic that can prove harmful to the patient. If you witness someone having a seizure, your top priority should be to keep them safe. Let's learn how you can assist a patient during an epileptic seizure while ensuring their safety.
**How to Keep a Patient Safe During a Seizure?**
When someone has a seizure, the first step is to remain calm yourself. Your composure will enable you to provide better assistance to the patient.
**Stay with them:** Do not leave the person alone; remain by their side until the seizure has ended.
**Clear the surrounding area:** Remove anything from their immediate vicinity that could cause injury—such as sharp objects, furniture, or glass items.
**Check for Medical ID:** Look to see if they are wearing a medical bracelet or carrying an ID card that provides information about their medical condition and emergency contacts.
**Turn them onto their side:** If the person is lying on the ground, gently roll them onto their side. This keeps their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking on saliva or vomit.
**Note the time:** Check your watch the moment the seizure begins. If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance immediately.
**Special Precautions During Severe Seizures**
During severe seizures, the person may lose consciousness, collapse, or experience violent body convulsions. In such situations:
Gently guide them to the ground to prevent them from falling and injuring themselves.
Place something soft and flat underneath their head.
If they are wearing glasses, remove them.
Loosen their tie or unbutton their shirt collar to make breathing easier.
**What NOT to Do?**
Do not restrain the person—Do not try to stop the individual from moving, nor hold them down forcefully. Doing so could result in injury to either them or you.
Do not place anything in the mouth—It is a common myth that placing a spoon or cloth in the mouth prevents the tongue from being bitten. In reality, doing this can cause them to break their teeth or jaw.
Do not offer food or water—Do not attempt to feed or give anything to drink to the person until they have fully regained consciousness and are alert. Doing so poses a risk of choking.
Do not administer CPR—During a seizure, people typically resume breathing on their own.
When should you call a doctor?
If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes.
If a second seizure occurs immediately after the first one.
If the seizure occurs while the person is in water.
If the person is pregnant, has diabetes, or has sustained an injury.
If the person is experiencing a seizure for the first time.
Once the seizure has ended and the person regains consciousness, help them sit in a safe place, speak to them gently, and explain what happened. Assist them in notifying their family members.