What is the safe response to a seizure?

• A. Move the person away from hazards, restrain the limbs, and hold them upright until they recover.
• B. Protect from injury, do not restrain, cushion the head, time the seizure, and place the person on their side after it ends.
• C. Place the person in a prone position and check for breathing only after it ends.
• D. Try to suction the mouth during seizure.

Answer: (B)

During a seizure, the priority is to keep the person safe and protect their airway while the convulsions run their course. The best approach is to move hazards away so they can’t be injured, do not restrain their limbs or try to hold them up, and cushion the head to prevent head injury. Loosen tight clothing and, once the seizure ends, place the person on their side in the recovery position to keep the airway clear and reduce the risk of choking on saliva or vomit. Time how long the seizure lasts and stay with them, monitoring breathing and responsiveness until they are fully alert again.

This approach minimizes injury during the seizure and supports airway protection afterward. Restricting movement or trying to hold the person up can cause harm, placing them face down can obstruct breathing, and attempting to suction or put objects in the mouth during a seizure is unsafe.