RISE Blog | Being a Better Bystander: Seizure Awareness

By: Katelyn Lilley, Peer Educator
October 28th, 2021

What do you do when someone has a seizure? Although this topic may seem non-applicable for most people in their day-to-day life, seizures happen much more commonly than people may think. According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. This number is shocking and highlights the need for calm and well-informed bystanders. While it may seem scary to take charge in an emergency, your actions or lack of actions can be a matter of life or death. 

Being a good active bystander means stepping up as a leader and helping someone in need. It's normal to be scared in high stress situations but remember to think about how afraid the person experiencing the seizure is feeling. Wouldn't you want someone to help if it were you? My hope is that by reading this, you will have a better understanding of what a seizure looks like, how to respond during and after someone has a seizure. 

What are the signs of a seizure? 

First, it's important to understand what, exactly, a seizure is. In simple terms, a seizure is an “uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain” (Mayo Clinic). This can cause changes in a person's usual behavior, feelings, movements and understanding. The typical seizure lasts between 30 seconds to 2 minutes, so, as an active bystander, it is important to react quickly and efficiently.

There are several indicators of a seizure, but it is important to know that different people will show different symptoms. Here are some of the most common seizure symptoms: 

• Temporary confusion 
• Staring spells 
• Uncontrollable movements of arms and legs 
•  Loss of consciousness or awareness (especially during conversation) 

How do I help someone during a seizure? 

The most important thing to do, as in most emergency situations, is to stay calm and evaluate what is happening. If you notice someone has any of the above symptoms, this is what you should do:

• Help ease the individual to the floor 
• Turn the person onto their side, this will help them to breathe  
• Clear the area around the person of both objects and people 
• Put something soft and flat under the person's head, like a pillow, backpack, or jacket
• Remove glasses
• Loosen or remove anything around the neck like a necklace or lanyard
• Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes 

Since you know what you should do when somebody is having a seizure, it is equally important to understand what you shouldNOT do: 

• Restrict any of the individual's movements 
• Put anything in their mouth 
• Attempt to give CPR  
• Give food and water – only offer this if the person is fully conscious and alert 

What do I do after someone has a seizure? 

You now know what a seizure looks like and how to respond in the moment, but what do you do after? As an active bystander, remember to stay diligent, calm, and kind to help make the person feel as comfortable as possible.

Here are some simple steps to follow after someone has a seizure:

• Stay with the person through the seizure, until they are fully awake. Help them sit upright in a safe position and place. 
•  Tell them what happened in in simple terms, speaking calmly. 
• Ask or check to see if they are wearing a medical bracelet or other form of identification.
• Ask them if this is the first time this has happened.
• Help the person get home or seek medical attention safely. 

Remember: keeping yourself and the people around you as calm as possible is important. Being prepared and ready to take action will lead you to respond in the most effective way possible. Call 911 if:

• This is their first seizure  
• The person has difficulty breathing/waking up 
• The seizure is lasts longer than 5 minutes 
• The person has another seizure immediately following
• It happens in water 
• The person is pregnant or has another health condition 
• The person is hurt during the seizure

I hope that you have a better understanding of the symptoms of a seizure and how to respond safely, calmly, and effectively to if someone has one. When people are informed and are prepared for emergencies, a safer and kinder world is possible. 

 

Back to All Posts