What to Do if Someone Is Having a Seizure

What to Do When Someone Is Having a Seizure: Keeping Calm and Acting Smart

So let’s set the scene: you’re out with friends, or maybe you’re hanging at home with family, and suddenly someone nearby starts to shake uncontrollably. Panic might hit you like a ton of bricks—what should you do? You might have heard bits and pieces about seizure management, but let’s break it down in real terms to get you ready for anything that might come your way.

The Objective: Safety First

When someone has a seizure, the very first thing that should pop into your head is safety. It might sound pretty straightforward, but in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s most important. You may instinctively want to restrain the person or try to wake them up, but believe me, those reactions could lead to more harm than good.

Clear the Way: Protecting the Person

Here’s the thing: during a seizure, individuals may not have control over their bodies—and that could mean they might bump into furniture, hit sharp corners, or even topple over something dangerous. To protect them, swiftly clear the area of any objects that could pose a risk. It doesn’t take much—just move away the coffee table or that stack of magazines that always seems to end up in the wrong place (we’ve all been there).

This simple act can make all the difference. Picture it: a person seizing on the floor, surrounded by clutter. That clutter not only represents a risk of injury but also can create unnecessary stress for everyone involved. By creating a safe space, you’re already doing more than half the work to ensure their wellbeing.

Why Restraining Is a No-Go

Now, let’s address a common myth: restraining the person during a seizure. A lot of folks might think it’s helpful to hold somebody down to keep them from thrashing about, but that’s a recipe for disaster. Not only could it cause additional injury to the person seizing, but it could also contribute to the anxiety of the situation. Think of it like this: when kids are messing around on the playground, the last thing they want is an adult gripping them tightly. It could escalate both the chaos and their distress.

You have enough on your plate with the situation at hand; the last thing you want is to add more cortisol (that’s the stress hormone) into the mix—trust me, it’s not a good look!

A Common Misbelief: Don't Put Anything in Their Mouth

You might’ve heard the advice to put something in the person’s mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue. Here’s a heads-up: this is seriously outdated advice! In reality, trying to do this could lead to unexpected complications, like chipping a tooth or even causing choking. Instead of trying to shove something in there—maybe some fabric or a pillow—focus on keeping the environment around them clear.

No Shaking It Off

Another misstep some might consider is shaking or trying to wake the person up. I get it; you see someone who looks like they’re in distress and your instinct is to intervene. But shaking them could disturb their recovery from the seizure. Just like you wouldn’t want someone waking you up from an aggressive dream, it can also lead to confusion when the person regains consciousness.

Instead, talk gently to them once the seizure subsides. Often, they’ll need a few moments to orient themselves, and your calm presence can be deeply reassuring. Just imagine how comforting it would be, after a chaotic episode, to hear a familiar voice saying, “Hey, you’re okay; take your time.”

After the Seizure: Check-In Time

Once the seizure has come to an end, your role isn’t finished yet. Be patient and give them that space while ensuring they feel secure. It’s essential to have a quiet and reassuring presence nearby as they come to. You might even ask them how they feel, or if they need anything—just keep your tone soft and understanding.

Maybe while they’re recovering, you can share simple anecdotes, like a funny story or a lighthearted observation about your day. It creates a sense of ease and helps them transition back into the moment.

Of course, make sure they always seek medical advice for reassurance moving forward—especially if it’s their first seizure or if it lasts longer than five minutes.

Conclusion: Be the Calm in the Storm

Seizures are undoubtedly alarming—there's just no way around that. However, knowing how to respond can make the experience less scary for everyone involved. Essentially, your role is to act calmly and provide a safe environment while the individual finds their way back to safety.

Remember: protecting them from harm is your priority, and it’s okay to feel a little unsure while navigating such a critical situation. The more we understand about seizures, the better we can support those who face them. And who knows? You might just become the calm during someone else's storm, and that's something every first responder can be proud of. So the next time you find yourself in this sticky situation, remember to clear the area, stay calm, and support with kindness. You’ve got this!