First Aid for Grand Mal Seizures
Since 2016, Dr. Nechama Rothberger has delivered pharmacological services as a specialist with the Maimonides Medical Center emergency care department. Dr. Nechama Rothberger has treated patients with acute medical conditions such as cardiac issues and seizures.
Since a person experiencing a grand mal seizure does not have control of their body and is not aware of their surroundings, bystanders must react quickly to keep the person safe and determine if medical attention is necessary. First responders should gently lower the person to the ground and turn them to one side. Health experts advise against placing objects in the person’s mouth or holding the person down.
Once the person is safely laid out, bystanders should remove any dangerous objects from the person’s vicinity and place a soft blanket, towel, or jacket under the head. Since seizures lasting more than 5 minutes are more serious, bystanders should time the length of the seizures and report this information to emergency responders.
Since a person experiencing a grand mal seizure does not have control of their body and is not aware of their surroundings, bystanders must react quickly to keep the person safe and determine if medical attention is necessary. First responders should gently lower the person to the ground and turn them to one side. Health experts advise against placing objects in the person’s mouth or holding the person down.
Once the person is safely laid out, bystanders should remove any dangerous objects from the person’s vicinity and place a soft blanket, towel, or jacket under the head. Since seizures lasting more than 5 minutes are more serious, bystanders should time the length of the seizures and report this information to emergency responders.
