Grand Mal Seizures
I made a pamphlet that I am kind of proud of so I thought I would share. (It looks way prettier, but here's the gist of it.)
Signs of a Seizure:
• Often times, a person will know they are having a seizure before it happens and will tell you.
• If they just faint, they will still be breathing and have a heartbeat.
• During a Grand Mal seizure the person will go into convulsions.
How you can help:
• Do not call 911. The most dangerous part of a seizure is the fall.
• If the person tells you they are having a seizure help them into the recovery position.
o This is to prevent their airway from being closed off if they vomit.
• Ask them for their phone and anyone for whom you can call for them.
• Wait: Do not hold them down as this could cause injuries.
When it passes:
• The person will be disoriented and very tired.
The Recovery Position
(Illustrated on the cover)
1. Start with the victim lying on the back and with the legs straight out. Kneel to one side of them.
2. Move the arm closest to you so it is perpendicular to the body, with the elbow flexed (perpendicular).
3. Move the farthest arm across the body so that the hand is resting across the torso.
4. Bend the leg farthest from you so the knee is elevated. Reach inside the knee to pull the thigh toward you.
5. Use the other arm to pull the shoulder that is farthest from you. Roll the body toward you.
6. Leave the upper leg in a flexed position to stabilize the body.
Signs of a Seizure:
• Often times, a person will know they are having a seizure before it happens and will tell you.
• If they just faint, they will still be breathing and have a heartbeat.
• During a Grand Mal seizure the person will go into convulsions.
How you can help:
• Do not call 911. The most dangerous part of a seizure is the fall.
• If the person tells you they are having a seizure help them into the recovery position.
o This is to prevent their airway from being closed off if they vomit.
• Ask them for their phone and anyone for whom you can call for them.
• Wait: Do not hold them down as this could cause injuries.
When it passes:
• The person will be disoriented and very tired.
The Recovery Position
(Illustrated on the cover)
1. Start with the victim lying on the back and with the legs straight out. Kneel to one side of them.
2. Move the arm closest to you so it is perpendicular to the body, with the elbow flexed (perpendicular).
3. Move the farthest arm across the body so that the hand is resting across the torso.
4. Bend the leg farthest from you so the knee is elevated. Reach inside the knee to pull the thigh toward you.
5. Use the other arm to pull the shoulder that is farthest from you. Roll the body toward you.
6. Leave the upper leg in a flexed position to stabilize the body.