Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

6 Medical Emergencies

Severe muscle twitching is common of most seizures. Muscles use large amounts of oxygen, and during the seizure muscles can take oxygen away from vital body functions. Patients may be cyanotic (blue lips, tongue, and skin). Often the seizure itself will cause difficulty breathing, and this makes the problem worse. Muscles also use large amounts of glucose (blood sugar). A diabetic patient who experiences a seizure due to low blood sugar will have their condition worsened by the seizure itself. When a patient is in seizure, place them in the recovery position to protect their airway. Protect the patient’s privacy by clearing bystanders from the scene. If the patient becomes incontinent (losing control of their bladder and/or bladder) during the seizure, try to cover them with a blanket, a sheet, or an item such as a jacket. As they recover, they may feel embarrassment. Reassure them that it is a side effect of the seizure that can’t be controlled. Do as much as possible to preserve patient dignity.

Signs and Symptoms Seizure • Sudden sound of distress, stiff muscles • Loss of consciousness/collapse • Uncontrolled muscle spasm • Drooling • Pale or ashen gray skin colour, possible cyanosis • Gasping, breathing interruptions, rapid breathing • Incontinence

Protect the airway by placing the patient into the recovery position. Never put anything in a seizing patient’s mouth. Do not allow oral medication, food or liquids until the patient has recovered.

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