Mark’s first aid story: “The Red Cross training that I received was invaluable in understanding the first aid steps to help my colleague.”

Mark had previously attended a British Red Cross First Aid at Work training course in Portsmouth. One day, while having lunch at work, he noticed a commotion nearby—a colleague had collapsed and was experiencing sudden jerking movements.

Seizures can require urgent medical attention. If one lasts longer than five minutes, if the person is injured, or if the cause is unknown, it’s important to call 999.

Recognising what was happening, Mark’s colleague quickly removed their jacket and placed it around the person's head to protect them, while another immediately called emergency services.

As the restaurant was very busy at the time, Mark remained calm and helped to manage the crowd, moved furniture and cleared the area in the restaurant, to ensure that it was safe, and the area was clear.

Mark added, “The Red Cross training that I received was invaluable in understanding the first aid steps to help my colleague. It also gave me the confidence to manage the large number of people who were dining in the restaurant at the time and oblivious of what was happening.’’

After the jerky movements had stopped, another colleague helped the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back.

The person then began to regain consciousness, and Mark and his colleagues remained with the person, to monitor and reassure them, until the paramedics arrived.

Mark said, “Our group maintained a calm demeanor and remained with our colleague, to make sure nothing changed, until the ambulance arrived.’’

The person was taken to hospital and later recovered at home.

Mark added, “You never know when you will be required to use your first aid skills. If there weren’t trained first aiders there on the day, the situation could’ve been a lot different. It’s not have you been on a First Aid at Work training course, it’s why not? You never know when you will be required to use your first aid skills.’’

How to help someone who is having a seizure:

1. Protect them from injury. Do not restrain them.

• Use a blanket or clothing to protect their head. Make space around them – ask bystanders to move back.
• Restraining them may cause injury to you or them. Let the seizure run its normal course. Please respect their dignity whilst waiting for the seizure to stop.

2. After the seizure, when the jerky movements have stopped, help them to rest on their side with their head tilted back.

• An easy way to move someone onto their side is using the recovery position.
• Putting them in this position with their head back helps keep the airway open by making sure their tongue falls forward and blood and vomit can drain out.

3. Call 999 if necessary.

• If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes; if they have hurt themselves or if you are unsure as to the cause, then you should call 999.
• If the person having a seizure has epilepsy, then it is not always necessary to call 999 for an ambulance.

Mark’s story is a strong reminder of the importance of keeping your first aid skills renewed and refreshed, even if you haven’t been required to use them in a while. If you're responsible for first aid in your organisation or you want to refresh your existing first aid skills, book a First Aid at Work course with us today.