Seizures

posted 10/24/2008
If you have ever seen someone having a seizure, it can be a scary and unforgettable event, especially if it is a child. The good news is that most seizures in children quickly resolve on their own and have no lasting effects. The seizure is caused by a quick spike in body temperature from an infection in the ear or respiratory tract. In rare instances, even adults can have these febrile (fever caused) seizures. While the seizure will resolve, the underlying infection must be treated by a physician. With any new-onset of a seizure, you should call 9-1-1 immediately and be transported to a physician who can determine the cause.

Seizures are a period of unconsciousness, followed by a violent shaking, and then noisy frothy breathing and deep sleep. People do not "swallow their tongues" so be sure NOT to put anything into their mouths. Remove them from dangers and protect their head from injury. Do NOT attempt to control the seizure activity or restrain their bodies. If possible, after the seizure activity has stopped, gently roll them onto their side to keep their airway open and allow saliva to drain. In most instances, the person will slowly regain consciousness and have no memory of the event. Keep them calm and do not allow them to exert themselves.

In rare instances, a seizure will not resolve on its own or may be followed by another immediate episode. This can sometimes be a life threatening emergency and must be treated with emergency medications through an IV and oxygen administration. Your EMS will have these abilities with them, so call 9-1-1 at the start of the seizure.

In most cases, the seizure will be scarier for you, the bystander than for the patient themselves. Keep calm, call 9-1-1, and know CPR. Keeping your head in an emergency is the most important thing to do. Being prepared helps you to do that. Take a CPR and First Aid course and keep certified. Need to be certified? Give Lainey Volk a call at 378-5152 x3 or email her at prevention@sanjuanems.org.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is designated as a Chief Medical Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a Senior Wilderness Medicine Instructor with the SOLO School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.