disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
CONVULSIONS & SEIZURES
Convulsions are usually brought on by a high fever, poisoning or injury
and is basically a violent seizure (see “Things to watch for...”).
Seizures are usually related to epilepsy (also known as seizure disorder
since seizures occur repeatedly during person’s life), and about 2 million
Americans and 300,000 Canadians suffer from epilepsy. There are many
types and forms of seizures that range from a short episode of blank staring
to convulsions -- and most seizures only last from 1-3 minutes or less.
Things to watch for…
Victim falls to floor and shakes or twitches in the
arms, legs or body for a minute or longer
Blank staring or vacant expression and minor twitching
of the face or jerking of the hand (usually a mild
epileptic seizure)
Loss of body fluids or functions (drooling, may pee or
poop)
No memory of what happened, confusion
What to do…
• Have someone call for an ambulance, esp. if victim was
poisoned or injured or if seizure lasts over 3-5 minutes.
• Stay calm… you can’t stop the convulsion or seizure.
• DO NOT put anything between teeth or in mouth!
• Move things that could hurt or fall on victim.
• Put something soft under victim’s head, if possible.
• When convulsion or seizure is over, help roll victim on to
their side to keep an open airway.
• Look for any other injuries and keep checking ABCs...
Airway, Breathing & Circulation.
• Stay with victim until help arrives and try to calm them.
If victim is epileptic:
Ask if the victim takes any medications for seizures and help him/her take
them according to the instructions.
Also may want to review TERRORISM (in Section 2) for information, signs
& symptoms, and treatment for several chemical agents that may cause
convulsions.
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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