Look, seizures scare the heck out of most people. I get it - seeing someone collapse and shake uncontrollably makes your heart race. Last summer at a baseball game, I watched a teenager drop like a stone near the hot dog stand. People froze or backed away. Except one guy who knew his fits disease first aid. He just calmly rolled the kid on his side and timed the seizure. That's what we're talking about today - turning panic into practical action.
What Exactly Are Fits?
We say "fits" but doctors call them seizures. It's basically an electrical storm in the brain. Like a computer glitch causing sudden glitches in movement, awareness or sensations. Common triggers include epilepsy, head injuries, infections, low blood sugar, or drug reactions. About 1 in 10 people will have one in their lifetime. Knowing fits disease first aid should be as common as CPR training.
What Seizures Actually Look Like
Not all seizures involve dramatic convulsions. Here's the breakdown:
| Type | What Happens | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tonic-Clonic | Collapsing, shaking, loss of consciousness | 1-3 minutes |
| Absence | Staring blankly, unresponsive | 10-20 seconds |
| Focal | Twitching in one limb, altered emotions | 30 sec – 2 min |
| Myoclonic | Sudden jerks (like electric shock) | Seconds |
The tonic-clonic type is what most people picture when they hear "fits disease first aid". That's our main focus.
Your Step-by-Step Seizure Response Plan
Forget complicated protocols. Here’s what actually works:
Immediate Actions When Seizures Start
- Stay with them - Don't leave even for a second
- Start timing - Use your watch or phone clock
- Lower them gently - If standing, guide them down
- Clear hazards - Move sharp objects away (I once saw someone hit their head on a table leg)
Pro Tip: Put something soft under their head - your jacket, a backpack, even a folded scarf. Head injuries are common during falls.
The Critical Positioning Move
Roll them onto their side. This isn't just nice advice - it's lifesaving. Why? Two reasons:
- Prevents choking on saliva or vomit
- Keeps airways open so they can breathe
I learned this the hard way helping a coworker. His face turned blue until we rolled him. Scariest 10 seconds of my life.
Never: Put anything in their mouth! Old myths about swallowing tongues? Totally false. You'll risk broken teeth or blocking airways.
During the Seizure
Most tonic-clonic seizures last under 3 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
| Timeline | What’s Happening | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20 seconds | Body stiffens (tonic phase) | Clear space, start timer |
| 20 sec - 2 min | Jerking movements (clonic phase) | Protect head, stay calm |
| 2-3 minutes | Jerking slows down | Keep on side, continue timing |
Speak calmly. Say things like "You're safe" or "I'm here". They might not hear you, but witnesses told me it prevents panic in bystanders.
When to Call 911: The 5-Minute Rule
This is the golden rule of fits disease first aid:
- If the seizure lasts over 5 minutes
- If a second seizure starts right after the first
- If they’re injured, pregnant, or have diabetes
- If they don’t regain consciousness after shaking stops
Honestly? I think hospitals get too many unnecessary seizure calls. But these four situations absolutely warrant emergency help.
Post-Seizure Care (The Recovery Phase)
The shaking stops. Now what? This confused period (called post-ictal) lasts 5-30 minutes. They might:
- Be confused/disoriented
- Have headaches or nausea
- Try to walk or fight you (automatic behavior)
- Need to sleep deeply
Your job:
- Keep them on their side until fully alert
- Don’t offer food/drink until fully conscious
- Explain gently where they are ("You had a seizure")
- Stay until they’re oriented or help arrives
I’ve had people curse at me during this phase. Don’t take it personally - they literally don’t know what they’re doing.
Fits Disease First Aid Don'ts
Some well-meaning actions do more harm than good. Avoid these like the plague:
| Mistake | Why It's Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Restraining them | Causes muscle injuries or fractures |
| Putting objects in mouth | Choking hazard, dental damage |
| Giving water/pills | Could inhale liquid while semi-conscious |
| Slapping/shaking them | Does NOT stop seizures |
Yeah, movies get this totally wrong. Real fits disease first aid is mostly about preventing harm, not heroic interventions.
Special Situations: Kids, Baths, and More
Not all seizures happen on carpeted floors. Here’s how to adapt:
Seizures in Water (Baths/Pools)
- Support their head above water
- Get them out ASAP (call for help if needed)
- Start rescue breathing if not breathing after removal
This terrifies me more than other scenarios. Always supervise people with seizure disorders near water.
Children and Seizures
Kids often have febrile seizures from high fevers. Different approach:
- Don’t try to cool them DURING seizure (could startle)
- After seizure ends, treat fever with meds/lukewarm bath
- Call pediatrician immediately
My nephew had these. Pediatrician said they look awful but rarely cause harm.
Epilepsy Medications and Devices
Regular seizures? They might have:
- Rescue meds (like nasal midazolam)
- Vagus nerve stimulator (small chest device)
- Medical ID jewelry
Ask family members where rescue meds are kept. Only administer if trained.
Building a Seizure-Safe Environment
For frequent seizures, simple tweaks reduce injury risk:
Home Modifications
- Pad sharp furniture corners
- Use shatterproof shower doors
- Install low-pile carpets
- Keep pathways clutter-free
Seizure Response Kit Essentials
Every home should have:
- Medical info sheet
- Rescue meds (if prescribed)
- Soft pillow for head protection
- Timing device with large display
Honestly, even hotels should stock these.
Fits Disease First Aid FAQs
Here's what people actually ask me:
Can you die from a seizure?
Generally no if proper fits disease first aid is given. But prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) can be fatal. That's why timing matters.
Should I call an ambulance every time?
Not necessarily. For known epilepsy patients, follow their care plan. But always call if it's their first seizure, lasts >5 minutes, or involves injury.
How do I know when it's over?
When jerking stops AND breathing becomes regular. The post-ictal phase isn't part of the active seizure.
Why do they foam at the mouth?
Excess saliva mixed with air from forceful breathing. Turning them sideways prevents choking on it.
Do I need to do mouth-to-mouth?
Usually no. Most people breathe fine during seizures. If lips turn blue or breathing stops after shaking ends, start CPR.
Training and Resources
Reading helps, but hands-on practice builds confidence:
- Red Cross First Aid courses: $35-$110 depending on certification level
- Epilepsy Foundation workshops: Free community sessions nationwide
- Online simulations: Practice virtually at seizuretraining.com
I’m disappointed schools don’t teach this. It’s more likely than encountering a shark attack.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
After that baseball game incident, the teen’s mom wrote me a note saying "You gave me back my son." Dramatic? Maybe. But knowing fits disease first aid does more than prevent injuries - it gives people dignity during their most vulnerable moments.
Print this guide. Stick it on your fridge. Better yet, share it. Because anyone - your neighbor, coworker, or toddler - could need your help during a seizure today.
Leave a Comments