What is the protocol for handling a seizure in the water?

The appropriate protocol for handling a seizure in the water emphasizes the safety and support of the individual experiencing the seizure. Keeping them safe involves ensuring they do not inhale water or sustain injuries during the seizure. Supporting their head provides necessary flotation and helps prevent water from entering their mouth and airway, which could lead to drowning.

Restraint can be counterproductive and may increase the risk of injury, as the person experiencing the seizure is likely to thrash involuntarily. Hence, it is crucial to avoid any actions that might cause additional distress or harm. Simply calling for emergency help or ignoring the situation does not provide immediate assistance to the individual in the water, which makes timely intervention essential.

In addition to supporting the person, bystanders should also monitor the duration of the seizure and be ready to take further action if necessary, ensuring that help arrives if the seizure lasts longer than a typical duration or if there are complications following the seizure. This proactive approach focuses on providing immediate care while awaiting professional medical support.