A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that causes changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness. Knowing the correct response mechanism is paramount for ensuring patient safety and prompt medical care. The appropriate action—calling public emergency services (911) or activating a Hospital Rapid Response Team (RRT)—depends entirely on where the event takes place. The environment dictates whether external or internal protocols should be engaged to stabilize the individual.
When Immediate Emergency Services (911) Are Required
Outside of a supervised medical facility, immediate activation of emergency medical services (911) is necessary under specific conditions. The most pressing indication is a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, known as status epilepticus. This extended duration poses a risk of brain damage and requires intervention with anti-seizure medication administered by paramedics or hospital staff.
Furthermore, 911 should be called if the individual has difficulty breathing or fails to regain consciousness shortly after the seizure concludes. Any seizure resulting in a physical injury, such as a severe fall or head trauma, also mandates an immediate emergency call regardless of the seizure’s duration.
A second seizure occurring shortly after the first, before the person has fully recovered, signals the need to contact emergency services. Also call 911 if the person has underlying health issues, such as diabetes or pregnancy, as the physiological stress can rapidly complicate these conditions. If the seizure happens while the person is submerged in water, emergency services must be called due to the high risk of aspiration. For individuals with a known seizure disorder, 911 may not be necessary if the event follows their typical, brief pattern and they recover quickly. However, if the seizure is different in character or length than usual, or if there is any doubt about the person’s condition, call for professional help.
Understanding the Hospital Rapid Response Team (RRT)
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) is an internal hospital protocol designed for patients already admitted to a medical facility. Unlike 911, RRT activation mobilizes specialized staff from within the hospital, often including a physician, a critical care nurse, and a respiratory therapist. The primary function of this team is to bring intensive care expertise directly to the bedside of a patient showing signs of clinical deterioration.
The goal of the RRT is proactive: to intervene and stabilize a patient before a full medical emergency, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest, occurs. By addressing subtle or sudden changes in a patient’s condition, the RRT aims to prevent the need for a “Code Blue” activation. This system is a standardized component of patient safety initiatives, ensuring rapid assessment and treatment in a controlled environment.
RRT Activation Protocols in a Medical Setting
When a patient admitted to a hospital experiences a seizure, the response shifts to internal activation protocols, often involving the RRT. Staff members monitor patients for specific physiological triggers that indicate the need for immediate, specialized intervention. The RRT is activated if the seizure is prolonged, lasting beyond the typical self-limiting timeframe expected for that patient.
Patient deterioration related to a seizure is reflected in unstable vital signs that exceed established clinical thresholds. A sudden drop in oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 90%, or significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, are common triggers for RRT activation. These changes signal that the seizure is affecting the patient’s cardiovascular or respiratory function beyond what standard floor staff can manage.
If the patient enters a prolonged post-ictal state—the period immediately following the seizure—and remains non-responsive or has severely altered mental status, the RRT may be called. This ensures rapid assessment for complications like aspiration or the need for advanced airway management. Staff mobilize these internal critical care resources rather than dialing 911, which is reserved for emergencies occurring outside the facility.
Essential Seizure First Aid While Waiting for Assistance
While waiting for 911 paramedics or the RRT to arrive, providing immediate seizure first aid is crucial. The first action should be to time the seizure accurately, as this duration is important information for medical professionals. Focus on creating a safe environment by moving away any nearby hard or sharp objects that the person might strike during the convulsive phase.
Gently placing something soft, like a folded jacket or towel, under the person’s head helps protect them from injury. Once the jerking movements have stopped, the individual should be gently rolled onto their side into the recovery position. This action helps keep the airway clear and prevents stomach contents or saliva from being inhaled, which is a common post-seizure risk.
Avoid trying to restrain the person or stop the seizure movements, as this can cause musculoskeletal injury. Never attempt to put anything into the person’s mouth, including fingers or objects, as this offers no benefit and carries a risk of causing tooth damage or blocking the airway. Remain with the individual, observing the characteristics of the seizure until medical help takes over.