Referring to my last blog post my discoveries, concerning different chronic diseases as potential topics for user-centered first aid, bring me further into a converging research phase. I am focusing on epilepsy. I wanted to explore related first aid practices in a first and pain points for affected persons and their caregivers in another step.
As already mentioned first aid for epilepsy differentiates from other emergency cases. Not for any appearing seizure an emergency call and medical professionals are required. Not every patient has the same seizure occurrences. Mild forms of seizures only require keeping the affected person safe and comfortable. Severe forms, on the other hand, urgently require professional help.
This is why bystanders are confronted with a difficult decision-making process. But still most of them don’t even know there is a choice between securing the affected on their own or making an emergency call in addition.
A general approach
The Epilepsy Foundation provides helpful guidance on how to act in case of a seizure and how to recognize if professional help is needed. This guide can be applied to all types of seizures in general:
Always stay with the person until the seizure is over.
Since seizures are unpredictable and different for every person, first aiders should always stay with them. Whether this means waiting for the affected to be redeemed or giving medical professionals information about the incident.
Pay attention to how long the seizure lasts.
Keeping an eye on the watch can help to determine how severe a seizure or how difficult the process of recovery is. This is immensely helpful, especially for the affected person’s caregiver, who know how to deal with their disease. Also this is one parameter for the decision-making of making an emergency call.
Stay calm. Most seizures only last a few minutes.
The reaction to an occurrence is crucial for how surrounding people as well as the affected persons reacts. Staying calm will positively influence others too. Reassurance will help the affected person too, when they got through.
Prevent injury by moving nearby objects out of the way.
Bringing persons, who are experiencing a seizure, into a safe and comfortable condition might be crucial on what course the incident will take. Even small form of epilepsy can lead to serious injuries, when the affected person is not in control of their movement behavior.
Make the person as comfortable as possible.
Depending on the situation, supporting to sit or lay might be needed to bring an affected person into a safe condition. The head in particular is a weak spot that needs to be looked after.
Keep onlookers away.
Since waking up between surrounding people can be overwhelming and embarrassing, onlookers should be advised to distance themselves. Nevertheless people who take care should be kept in place.
Don’t hold the person down.
Unwillingly movements should not prevented by first aiders, as this can lead to injuries or panic for the affected person. These movements are a way of processing.
Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth.
During a seizure, facial muscles may tighten, causing sudden biting movements. Fortunately affected persons are not able to bite into their tongue during a seizure.
Make sure their breathing is okay.
If laying on the ground, affected people should be turned on their side. This enables them to breath more easily and prevents choking.
Don’t give water, pills, or food by mouth unless the person is fully alert.
Not being able to swallow could be a danger if affected persons are given something into their mouth. Choking can be a consequence.
Know when to call for emergency medical help.
This might be the case when:
- A seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer.
- One seizure happens right after another without the person regaining consciousness (“coming to”) between seizures.
- Seizures happen closer together than usual for that person.
- The person has trouble breathing.
- The person appears to be choking.
- The seizure happens in water, like a swimming pool or bathtub.
- The person is injured during the seizure.
- You believe this is the first seizure the person has had.
- The person asks for medical help.
Next steps
This guide provided an insightful overview for the interactions required when caring for someone who is having a seizure. Nevertheless, it may also be worth finding out what makes the occurrence of seizure types different. As mentioned, I would like to know more about pain points affected persons and their caregivers are confronted with. These may be the next steps worth taking.
Resource
Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/recognition/seizure-first-aid
