What are four things you should NEVER do during a seizure?

What are four things you should NEVER do during a seizure?

• A. Do not attempt to stop the seizure, do not restrain the person, do not force anything into their mouth, and do not give them food or drink until they are fully conscious.
• B. Restrain the person.
• C. Give water during the seizure.
• D. Force something into their mouth.

Answer: (A)

During a seizure, the priority is safety and allowing the episode to run its course without interference. The best practice is not to stop the seizure, not to restrain the person, not to put anything in their mouth, and not to give food or drink until they’re fully conscious. Restraining can cause muscle, neck, or spinal injuries and makes the situation worse. Trying to force something into the mouth can trap the airway or cause choking or dental damage. Giving water or any food during the seizure can lead to choking if the person bites or loses the ability to swallow properly. Instead, protect the person from harm by clearing nearby objects, cushion the head, loosen restrictive clothing, and turn the person gently onto their side once the seizure ends to help keep the airway clear. Stay with them, time the seizure, and call for help if it lasts more than a few minutes, if another seizure follows, if they’re injured, or if you’re unsure about their condition.

During a seizure, the priority is safety and allowing the episode to run its course without interference. The best practice is not to stop the seizure, not to restrain the person, not to put anything in their mouth, and not to give food or drink until they’re fully conscious. Restraining can cause muscle, neck, or spinal injuries and makes the situation worse. Trying to force something into the mouth can trap the airway or cause choking or dental damage. Giving water or any food during the seizure can lead to choking if the person bites or loses the ability to swallow properly. Instead, protect the person from harm by clearing nearby objects, cushion the head, loosen restrictive clothing, and turn the person gently onto their side once the seizure ends to help keep the airway clear. Stay with them, time the seizure, and call for help if it lasts more than a few minutes, if another seizure follows, if they’re injured, or if you’re unsure about their condition.