If someone suddenly falls down and starts having a seizure, and the first thing that comes to your mind is to run for a metal spoon or stick to put in their mouth, or to hold them down, then we really need to talk.
Knowing what NOT to do during a seizure can save someone from serious injury.
The least you should know when someone has a seizure around you:
1. Keep them safe.
Move sharp, hard or dangerous objects away. If they are in immediate danger, carefully move them away from the danger.
2. DO NOT put anything in their mouth.
No spoon. No stick. No water. No drugs. Nothing.
They cannot swallow their tongue, and putting something in their mouth can break their teeth or cause choking.
3. DO NOT hold them down.
The seizure will not stop because you are restraining them. You could actually cause injuries.
4. Stay with them and TIME the seizure.
Most seizures stop within a few minutes. When possible, protect their head with something soft and gently turn them onto their side if they are not awake or aware.
5. When it stops, check that they are breathing and gradually becoming responsive.
Stay with them until they are awake and alert. They may be confused, tired or embarrassed afterwards. Don’t rush them.
6. Find out what happened next.
If they are able to communicate, ask whether they have had seizures before and whether they have a known seizure condition. If it is their first seizure, they should receive medical assessment.
7. Know when it is an emergency.
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts 5 minutes or more, another seizure starts without recovery, they have difficulty breathing, are seriously injured, the seizure happened in water, or they do not return to their usual state.
In Canada, call 911. In Nigeria and other countries, call your local emergency number.
Please, let’s stop the spoon-in-the-mouth method.
During a seizure: Stay. Keep them Safe. Time it. Side when appropriate. Don’t restrain. Don’t put anything in the mouth.