Seizure First Aid Guidelines

Information about Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Characteristics of Tonic-Clonic Seizures:  The person loses consciousness, the body stiffens and they fall to the ground.  This is typically followed by a period of jerking movements and may include labored or diminished breathing and a blue tinge about the mouth due to the decreased oxygen flow.  On occasion, loss of bladder or bowel may occur.   SEIZURE PHASE DO’S: Stay calm Move potentially harmful objects out of the way Protect the head from injury, placing a soft object beneath it Loosen clothing at the neck (ties or scarves) that may restrict breathing Speak to the person in a quiet voice, using soft tones Note the time Prevent others from crowding around   SEIZURE PHASE DONT’S: Put anything in the mouth – it is not possible for them to swallow their tongue Hold the person down or restrain them – this may result in injury Yell, scream or make loud noises – loud sounds will lengthen the seizure Attempt to move the person – unless they are in danger Attempt to bring them out of the seizure – let it run its course   Recovery and Ambulance Issues: Within a minute or two the recovery phase begins, after the jerking movements cease, and the person slowly regains consciousness.   RECOVERY PHASE DO’S: Roll the person onto their side – this eases breathing and allows excess saliva to drain If breathing is labored, check the airway for obstructions such as food or dentures Gently straighten the curve of the neck to open the airway Stay with them until recovery is complete and they are fully aware of their surroundings  RECOVERY PHASE DONT’S: Give the person food or drink before they are fully recovered THE NEED FOR AN AMBULANCE: When it is known that a person has epilepsy it is typically not necessary to call an ambulance.  However, an ambulance should be called if this is the person’s first seizure, the seizure lasted longer than five minutes, a second seizure occurs, there is continued labored breathing or the person was injured when they fell.