⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
EM-008
Seizure
Protect from injury, monitor breathing, and escalate when the situation is concerning.
What should I do first?
- Protect the person from immediate injury
- Clear nearby hazards where safely possible
- Do not restrain the person's movements
- Do not put objects into the person's mouth
- Monitor breathing and responsiveness
- Seek medical assistance when the situation is prolonged, repeated, associated with injury, breathing problems, failure to recover, or otherwise concerning
- Follow vessel procedures
What this may look like
- Sudden uncontrolled movements or stiffness
- Altered awareness or unresponsiveness during the episode
- Possible injury from nearby objects
- Gradual recovery in some cases
What should I check?
- Duration of the episode
- Breathing during and after the episode
- Injuries from the surroundings
- Return of normal responsiveness
What should I avoid?
- Restraining the person
- Putting fingers or objects in the mouth
- Assuming a specific long-term condition onboard
When should I get medical assistance?
- When the seizure is prolonged, repeated, or associated with injury or breathing problems
- If the person does not recover as expected
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
What information should I prepare for TMAS / medical assistance?
- Time the episode started and how long it lasted
- Description of movements and recovery
- Any injury or breathing concerns
- Known medical history if available
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Related symptoms
Important safety note
- This pathway supports immediate safety actions, not assessment of a long-term neurological condition
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.