1 Protect victim
2Monitor victim
3Summon help
42 FIRST AID
Major seizures
A convulsion, or major seizure, is the result of an electrical disturbance in the brain and consists of muscular spasms and loss of body control. Seizures that are recurrent usually indicate the brain disorder epilepsy. The aims of first-aid treatment for major seizures are to protect the victim from injuring herself and to summon medical help if necessary.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Rigid body with arched back and clenched jaw
• Eyes rolled upwards
• Convulsive shaking
• Seizure followed by sleep
TREATING MAJOR SEIZURES
1 Protect victim
• If you see the victim falling at the beginning of the seizure, try to prevent injury as she falls.
• Do not move her while she is having the seizure.
• Loosen the clothing around her neck and try to protect her head with something soft, such as a piece of folded clothing.
Protect the victim’ s head
2Monitor victim
• After the seizure, the victim may fall into a deep sleep. Check her breathing( p. 14), open her airway, and be prepared to resuscitate her.
• If the victim is breathing, place her in the recovery position( pp. 14 – 15).
3Summon help
• If you know the victim has epilepsy, and she only has one seizure at this time, stay with her until she has recovered.
• If you are not certain that the victim is susceptible to epileptic seizures, dial 911 or call EMS.
• If the victim remains unconscious for more than 10 minutes or convulses for more than 5 minutes, or if she has repeated seizures, dial 911 or call EMS.
• Monitor the victim’ s breathing( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a child or baby), pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby), and level of consciousness( p. 12) until help arrives.
Do not try to restrain the victim during the seizure
! Important
• Move sharp objects away from the victim.
• Do not use force to restrain the victim.
• Do not put anything in the victim’ s mouth.