If Someone is Having a Seizure...

[davbrucas]

Paging Dr. Google!

Lmao...

Seizing patients are gonna seize until it stops on its own or they are given a benzo. Let the super medics like T-Money Google treat them.

[davbrucas]

Where is Dr. Dave? Shouldn't he be in here talking down to people?

I only talk down to dbags like yourself.

[davbrucas]

Had several seizures calls in my day, only one was a full blown (prolonged) Status epilepticus with no lucid interval. Main thing is not to panic.

Like has already been stated, you want them to leave them alone. Give them space and remove any objects in which they could do further harm themselves. Your safety is also a factor. Never put anything in anyone's mouth that is not conscious, alert, and oriented. If possible, roll them on their side as some patients may vomit and you want to try and maintain their airway and avoid aspiration. They will not choke on their tongues, so don't use a bite block that are still available in some first aid kits. Don't let anyone use a bite block or try to pry anyone's jaw open. They will usually ride it out in short order and wake up combative or groggy.

As a medic, we approach the situation with the chief concern outside of the ABCs, is what preceded the seizure event. I look for a medical bracelet. Is it a febrile seizure? Is it a result of some sort of head trauma? History of Epilepsy? History of diabetes? The problem with a prolong seizure is there are periods of partial or complete apnea (not breathing). This is when you should call EMS. When I was at Rural Metro, our first line in this situation is Airway management (put them on left side, if possible) and try to establish IV access. If not possible, then an IntraMuscular shot is next in order. We used Ativan under our guidelines for seizures. Then the next thing I'm going to do is give you some oxygen, take vitals, EKG, look at your oxygen saturation, blood sugar check, and obtain a history. Maybe ask you what your name is. What day, month, and year is it. To determine any lasting cognitive effects of the seizure. Then the rest our job is supportive care measures and deliver patient to definitive care(Hospital ER), if necessary. Continuous drug infusion may be necessary, but almost never in my cases. Now they've got nasal spray injectors of anti-seizure drugs that people can use like people who have dangerous allergic reactions carry Epi Pens.

The cause/event preceding the seizure and how alert and oriented the patient is what ultimately determines whether a trip to the ER is necessary. A lot of patients will sign our AMA form and opt out against our advice. Sometimes they really are just more frightened than anything. Don't always require a trip to the hospital. If there is no history of a prior seizure, I would always recommend you at the very least get a work up from your GP.

- Tim

Quick and to the point...as usual.

[exlude]

Quick and to the point...as usual.

How will anybody respect mad EMT skillz unless you prove it with walls of text on a Mustang forum?

[DON SVO]

If I had another one, I would want someone to at least take me to the ER but calling 911 is preferred so I wouldn't have to pay for damages to the person's car or get sued for hurting someone trying to get me in their car. Would I hate losing my license for minimum six months and have the medical advisory board check my medical and driving history every three to six months? Yes, but it's part of having seizures.

Am I the only one who's said they stood up, leaned over and then turned their head sideways to check out your avatar?

[slostang281]

Am I the only one who's said they stood up, leaned over and then turned their head sideways to check out your avatar?

You're the only one that has said something about it in that nature. That's a lot of work just for a picture. lol

[DON SVO]

You're the only one that has said something about it in that nature. That's a lot of work just for a picture. lol

<--- determined

[Hmbre97]

An EMT friend of mine posted this joke on his FB wall today. Seems pretty fitting for the thread.

Q: What do you do when you arrive on scene to find a patient actively seizing in a bathtub?

A: Throw in some detergent and your dirty laundry.