As a first aid instructor it is always good to hear back from someone that they have learnt something useful and practical on my courses. I delivered a course the other week and the next day one of the ladies was at a family gathering when her niece unfortunately and out of the blue started to have a fit. It was a bit of a shock to the family, but because of my course the day before she remembered what I had told her and how to act in order to help her niece in this situation. One of the things about first aid is that it is mostly common sense that you need to use in order to help someone out when they need it.
When you first see someone having a seizure it can be quite scary and upsetting, especially if it is a friend or relative that it is happening to. Children can have seizures for a number of reasons, so if it happened to someone you knew, would you be able to help them? What is a seizure? What causes them to happen?
When you first see someone having a seizure it can be quite scary and upsetting, especially if it is a friend or relative that it is happening to. Children can have seizures for a number of reasons, so if it happened to someone you knew, would you be able to help them? What is a seizure? What causes them to happen?
What causes a seizure?
A head injury
A sudden rise in temperature in children under the age of 5 (febrile convulsion)
Lack of oxygen to the brain
Meningitis
Epilepsy
What are the triggers?
Tiredness
Stress
Flashing lights
A sore throat
A metallic taste
A sore throat
A metallic taste
A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The type of seizure which is being referred to here is a "tonic clonic" seizure or generalised seizure. They can occur without warning several times a day for some people.
Initially the person would appear to go quite stiff and then they would start jerking / twitching. They may fall to the floor if they are standing (which increases the risk of injury) and they will be to all intents and purposes "unconscious" as they will not respond to you. The fit may last for a few minutes. The person may foam at the mouth or even bleed from the mouth if they bite their tongue. They may wet themselves. If the fit is an uncomplicated one it should stop on its own.
How can I help?
- Make sure the area around the person is safe and free from dangers
- Support their head with your hands or a towel / coat
- Ask someone to call 999
- Time the seizure
- Once it has stopped if necessary put them in the recovery position as they may be drowsy / unconscious.
- DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH
If you would like more information please do visit the Epilepsy Action Website
If you would like to enquire about a first aid course why not visit our website https://bit.ly/2jgtf1x
If you would like to enquire about a first aid course why not visit our website https://bit.ly/2jgtf1x
