What is the initial first-aid approach for a patient actively having a seizure?

• A. Protect from injury, do not restrain, time the seizure, place patient on side; ensure airway; administer benzodiazepine as ordered.
• B. Restrain the patient and attempt to hold the head immobile.
• C. Place the patient on the back and attempt to swallow fluids.
• D. Ignore the seizure and wait for it to end.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to protect the person and their airway while letting the seizure run its course. Start by preventing injury: do not try to stop the movements or hold them down. If possible, ease nearby furniture away and cushion the head with a soft item. Time the seizure from onset to end. Once the convulsions stop, turn the person onto their side in the recovery position to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of aspiration. Loosen tight clothing and remove anything around the mouth area, but do not place anything in the mouth. Do not give fluids or food during the seizure. If there is a prescribed rescue medication and you are trained, administer it as ordered. After the seizure, monitor breathing and consciousness and seek emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if another seizure follows without recovery, or if the person is injured or has never had a seizure before.