How to Help a Person During a Grand Mal Seizure

There is a few things that every person should know about what to do when they see a person in a seizure. There is things that you can do for them, and it isn't even as hard as doing CPR.

First, call 911. While some people don't require medical attention after each seizure since they are being treated, it is the best thing to do for a stranger or even a coworker. While on the phone with the operator, check for medical identification bracelets or necklaces and let them know.

Second, loosen any tight or restrictive clothing, such as ties and exceptionally tight outfits. Move any furniture or other objects that the person might collide with during the seizure to prevent further harm. The amount of force a person has when hitting a table leg for instance can break their arm.

Third, never stick anything in their mouth to prevent them from swallowing their tongue. They will not swallow their tongue, it is physically impossible. What does happen is that the tongue rolls back and blocks the airway. Placing anything into the mouth adds to the chances of choking to death. The jaws clench tightly and can literally bite whatever is placed inside into pieces, or the jaw can be fractured or teeth broken.

Fourth, if the person will allow you, turn their body over unto their side with their mouth facing down. This will help drain any saliva or vomit that occurs during the seizure to prevent air blockage. If this cannot be done during the seizure, do this afterwards. Do not try to hold a person down during the seizure as this can cause more harm than good, such as dislocated limbs or back problems.

Most seizures usually lasts less than five minutes, and the person will not usually know what has happened. So when the person comes to, ask them if they are okay, their name and then tell them that they had a seizure. It is always a possibility that the person has a history of seizures and will accept the information calmly. It is also a possibility that the person has never had a seizure before and the information will be gibberish to them. Do your best to make the person understand that they did have a seizure and that they need to see a doctor.

When the ambulance arrives, try your best to remember what the patient did directly before the attack, how long the seizure lasted, how the body moved, and how the person responded after coming out of the seizure. This information can be helpful to the emergency room phycisian and to the follow-up care physician in their effort to provide preventative care.