Shantell Woods, a young American mother, was struck by a violent epileptic seizure. His 3-year-old son, who witnessed the scene, had an instinctive and decisive reaction allowing emergency services to intervene in time. A heroic gesture which undoubtedly saved his mother’s life and which raises an essential question: how to react to an epileptic attack? Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, reminds us of the right actions to take in this situation.
A (very small) hero
While preparing dinner at home, Shantell Woods, a young mother, suddenly became dizzy before collapsing, the victim of an epileptic seizure.
Cody, her 3-year-old son, who witnessed the scene, reacted immediately: he unlocked his mother’s phone using facial recognition by placing his face in front of it, and contacted a friend by Facetime. The latter, realizing the emergency, immediately notified the emergency services.
Saved by his son’s composure, Shantell confided: “I had a seizure so intense that I could have died. I was surprised, but happy that he knew what to do at that moment. I want to cry. He’s my hero” she told ABC.
What reflexes to adopt when faced with an epileptic attack according to Dr Gérald Kierzek
Dr Gérald Kierzek insists on the importance of knowing the right actions from the first seconds of an attack.
If you witness an epileptic seizure
- Protect the person: “The main objective is to ensure its safety during the crisis” ;
- Do not try to hold it back: “You should never block your movements or try to prevent convulsions.” ;
- Do not put anything in your mouth: Contrary to popular belief, she cannot “swallow” her tongue. “Putting an object or finger in your mouth can be dangerous” ;
- Keep dangerous objects away: “This is the most important gesture. Clear the space around it: furniture, chairs, sharp or hot objects” ;
- Protect your head: “Slide a cushion, jacket or any soft object under his head to avoid shocks” ;
- Do not try to get her to drink or give her any medicine during the crisis;
- Place the person in the lateral safety position (PLS) : “As soon as possible, especially if she vomits or drools a lot, to avoid any risk of choking” ;
- Stay with her : “Speak to her gently, wait for her to come to her senses and reassure her” ;
- Call emergency services (15 or 112) in the following cases: “if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if a second seizure begins immediately, if the person is injured or has difficulty breathing, if it is a first known seizure, if the seizure occurs in water“.
For a child witnessing a seizure
Dr. Gérald Kierzek recommends learning three simple missions:
- Do not move mom or dad;
- Place a cushion under your head;
- Call an adult or dial 112 (or 15 in France).
Why training loved ones can save lives?
Dr. Kierzek warns of the importance of teaching these gestures to those around you. “Training those close to you is essential to combat fear and panic“, he explains.
Seeing an epileptic seizure can be overwhelming, and without training, many adopt poor reflexes. “An untrained person may panic and make inappropriate actions, such as trying to put an object in their mouth“.
By learning the right actions, we avoid serious accidents. “Many myths persist, such as preventing the person from swallowing their tongue. It’s impossible and very dangerous“, he insists.
The training also has another beneficial effect: “Simple actions like PLS can prevent serious complications like choking or aspiration of vomit“.
For people with epilepsy, knowing that their loved ones are ready to react brings real comfort: “Knowing that those around you, including your children, know how to react allows you to live more peacefully on a daily basis.“.
What are the risks for mother and child during a crisis?
According to Dr. Kierzek, the risks concern both the person with epilepsy and their loved one. “For the mother, there is a risk of physical trauma – falls, cuts, burns – but also of suffocation if the airways are blocked by saliva or vomit.“. Another danger, even more serious, is “status epilepticus, when the seizure lasts more than five minutes: this is a medical emergency“.
For the child, the situation can be shocking. “Seeing a parent in a vulnerable state can be very disturbing for a child. It is essential to reassure him afterwards and simply explain to him what happened.“, advises the doctor. There is also a physical risk: “During seizures, movements may be violent. If the child is too close, he or she may receive an unintentional blow.“.
The story of Shantell and her son perfectly illustrates the power of reflexes learned early. This little boy, by remaining calm, allowed his mother to be quickly rescued. Proof that even at three years old, a well-learned gesture can make all the difference.