FIRST AID FOR SEIZURES
What to do
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Stay calm.
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Look around - is the person in a dangerous place? If not, don't move them. Move objects like furniture away from them.
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Note the time the seizure starts.
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Stay with them. If they don't collapse but seem blank or confused, gently guide them away from any danger. Speak quietly and calmly.
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Cushion their head with something soft if they have collapsed to the ground.
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Don't hold them down.
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Don't put anything in their mouth.
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Check the time again. If a convulsive (shaking) seizure doesn't stop after 5 minutes, call for an ambulance 10177 or from a cell phone 112.
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After the seizure has stopped, put them into the recovery position and check that their breathing is returning to normal. Gently check their mouth to see that nothing is blocking their airway such as food or false teeth. If their breathing sounds difficult after the seizure has stopped, call for an ambulance.
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Stay with them until they are fully recovered.
If they are injured, or they have another seizure without recovering fully from the first seizure, call for an ambulance (see emergency services numbers listed below).
FIRST AID TUTORIALS
*The above tutorials are for information only, please see below for emergency contact numbers in South Africa
IMPORTANT EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS TO SAVE ON YOUR PHONE
Emergency Management Service (EMS) -tel. 10177
The South African Police Service flying squad -tel. 10111.
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Nationwide: dial 112 from cellphones only and you will be linked to your cell phone company's emergency call centre - even if you are out of airtime or the phone is locked.
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OR
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Vodacom Emergency: 082 112; MTN Emergency: 083 112; Cell C Emergency: 084 112
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Nationwide ambulance
10177|
Nationwide Fire Brigade -10177
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Private emergency response company Netcare911 will respond to emergencies whether you are a member or not. Dial: 082 911.
Nationwide medical emergency company ER24 Dial: 084124
Free AA Rescue Service app with Rescue Me Button that alerts the Automobile Association to your whereabouts for roadside assistance.
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Summary :
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National Emergency Response – 10111
Child Emergency – 0800 123 321
Ambulance - 10177
Difficulty with emergency services - 1022
Police - 10111
Rescue service (aviation) – 083 1999
Medical rescue – 0800 111 990
Cell Phone Emergency – 112
Electricity (Eskom) – 0860 037 566
Water – 0860 103 054
Child line – 0800 055 555
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USEFUL LINKS