How should a passenger having a seizure on board be managed?

How should a passenger having a seizure on board be managed?

• A. Move objects away, cushion the head, do not restrain, time the seizure, call EMS, monitor for breathing
• B. Restrain the person to stop the seizure
• C. Place an object between the teeth
• D. Give water to drink during seizure

Answer: (A)

When a seizure happens on a plane, the priority is safety and preserving the passenger’s airway while getting medical help. The best approach is to move nearby objects away to prevent injury, gently cushion the head to protect it from impact, and avoid restraining the person so movements aren’t restricted or injuries caused by force. Time the seizure to determine how long it lasts and to monitor for any repeated seizures. Notify flight crew immediately so emergency medical help can be summoned and the situation can be managed with available on-board resources. Throughout, watch the passenger’s breathing and responsiveness, ready to help with airway or breathing support if needed once the seizure ends. This approach is chosen because restraint can cause harm, placing an object between the teeth can lead to choking or damage, and offering liquids during a seizure is inappropriate and risks aspiration.

When a seizure happens on a plane, the priority is safety and preserving the passenger’s airway while getting medical help. The best approach is to move nearby objects away to prevent injury, gently cushion the head to protect it from impact, and avoid restraining the person so movements aren’t restricted or injuries caused by force. Time the seizure to determine how long it lasts and to monitor for any repeated seizures. Notify flight crew immediately so emergency medical help can be summoned and the situation can be managed with available on-board resources. Throughout, watch the passenger’s breathing and responsiveness, ready to help with airway or breathing support if needed once the seizure ends.

This approach is chosen because restraint can cause harm, placing an object between the teeth can lead to choking or damage, and offering liquids during a seizure is inappropriate and risks aspiration.