Mersey Region Epilepsy Association: First aid



Mersey Region Epilepsy Association based at Neurosupport Centre Norton Street, Liverpool L3 8LR Tel.: 0151 298 2666, Fax: 0151 298 2333 Email: epilepsy@mrea.demon.co.uk Reg. Charity No.: 504366			First aid
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First aid

There are very few things which have to be done to help someone who is having a convulsive seizure. These are:

Move objects out of the way which could hurt the person having the seizure. In the photograph the coffee table is being moved so that the girl will not bang her head against any hard or sharp edges.

If possible, place something under the person's head so that the head doesn't bang against the floor, causing injury.
In the photograph a cushion is being used, but a rolled up coat or jumper would do just as well.

Let the seizure run its course. When it is over move the person to a comfortable place. Sometimes the person needs to be carried because of extreme tiredness, but usually only a little help is needed.

Let the person have a sleep or at least a good rest.

Some people wrongly think that you need to do this in order to prevent the person's tongue getting bitten. The worst that can happen with a bitten tongue is that it will hurt for a day or two - it heals very quickly. The worst that can happen if something is forced in the mouth is that teeth will get badly broken - these will never heal.

NEVER FORCE ANYTHING IN THE MOUTH DURING THE SEIZURE

don't put anything into their mouth

IF ONE SEIZURE FOLLOWS ANOTHER WITHOUT THE PERSON REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS, OR IF A SEIZURE LASTS LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES, GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.


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