Prolonged Seizures

A prolonged seizure lasts approximately five minutes longer than the person’s normal state of seizure. This should be regarded as an emergency until proven otherwise. A prolonged seizure might graduate to status epilepticus.

The proper response to a prolonged seizure is to, first, try to plan ahead and maintain control.  Try to get to know the person’s history and learn how to deal with a seizure by discussing precautions with the person’s friends and family. Second, time the seizure. And third, work your plan.

First Aid for Non-Medical Personnel

• Take the person to the emergency room unless told otherwise by a physician.
• Know person’s physician’s standing orders on how to treat the seizures.
• Know if it’s quicker to call an ambulance, or in the case of a small child, take him or her to hospital yourself.
• If prescribed and you are knowledgeable, administer rescue medicine designed to bring seizures to an end.

Status Epilepticus

Status Epilepticus is a prolonged or serial seizure that lasts longer than 30 minutes. A person suffering from status epilepticus is in a continuous state of seizure. This is a potentially life threatening emergency! If you are with a person who is seizing for five minutes or more:

First Aid for Non-Medical Personnel

• Protect person from hazards, like sharp objects, drop offs and furniture.
• Turn person on his or her side. This keeps the airway clear and allows any fluids in the mouth to drain harmlessly away. A person cannot swallow his or her tongue – that is a myth.
• Check the time. Medical personnel should know how long the seizure lasted.
• Loosen tight clothing around the person’s neck.
• Place something soft and flat under the person’s head.
• Do NOT put anything in the person’s mouth. This risks damage to the mouth, teeth or jaw.
• Do not restrain the person having seizures.
• Reassure the person as they regain consciousness.