Administering oxygen during a seizure is a common concern. This article provides clear information for the general public. Understanding appropriate first aid steps can help ensure safety.
Understanding Oxygen and Seizures
During a seizure, a person’s breathing can change, sometimes becoming shallow or pausing temporarily. This can lead to a temporary decrease in blood oxygen saturation, known as hypoxia. Despite these changes, the body has mechanisms to manage these temporary dips in oxygen levels.
Most seizures are self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own within a few minutes, and breathing patterns normalize as the seizure ends. Administering oxygen is not recommended for a layperson because dangerous oxygen deprivation is rare in common seizure types.
Providing oxygen without proper medical training and equipment can pose risks. An untrained person might not administer oxygen correctly, potentially causing more harm than good. Unnecessary oxygen could also delay or complicate professional medical assessment if emergency services are called. Medical professionals have specialized equipment and training to monitor oxygen levels and administer it safely when truly indicated.
Immediate First Aid for Seizures
When someone experiences a seizure, staying calm is the most important first step. Begin by timing the seizure, as this information is important for medical professionals. Most seizures last less than five minutes, and knowing the duration helps determine if emergency services are needed.
Protecting the person from injury is important during a seizure. Gently guide them to the floor if they are standing, and move any nearby objects that could cause harm, such as furniture or sharp items. Place something soft and flat, like a folded jacket or pillow, under their head to cushion it from repeated movements.
After the seizure activity stops, gently roll the person onto their side. This “recovery position” helps keep their airway clear and prevents them from inhaling any fluids, such as saliva or vomit. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck to further assist with breathing.
It is important to avoid certain actions during a seizure. Never attempt to restrain the person, as this can cause injuries to both the individual having the seizure and the helper. Never place anything in their mouth, because this can cause dental damage or obstruct their airway.
Recognizing When Professional Medical Care is Needed
While most seizures resolve on their own, certain situations warrant immediate professional medical attention. Call emergency services if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes. A prolonged seizure indicates a higher risk of complications and requires medical intervention.
Emergency services should also be contacted if a person experiences repeated seizures without regaining full consciousness between them. Also call if the person sustains an injury during the seizure, like a head injury or broken bone. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but require assessment.
Consider seeking professional medical care if it is the person’s first seizure, even if it is brief. Additionally, if a seizure occurs in water, like a bathtub or swimming pool, or if the person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness after the seizure, immediate medical evaluation is required. These circumstances carry higher risks.