What should you do if a seizure victim is at risk of aspiration?

When a seizure victim is at risk of aspiration, positioning them on their side is crucial. This position helps ensure that any fluid, including saliva or vomit, can drain from the mouth rather than being inhaled into the lungs. The risk of aspiration increases significantly during and after a seizure, as the person may be unable to control their swallowing or may experience a diminished level of consciousness.

By placing the individual on their side, you create a pathway for fluids to exit the mouth, thereby reducing the potential for aspiration pneumonia and enhancing airway safety. This position also helps prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, further ensuring that the person can breathe effectively if they remain unconscious after the seizure.

Other options, such as keeping the individual sitting upright, placing them on their back, or allowing them to lie flat, can increase the risk of choking. These positions do not facilitate the drainage of fluids and can lead to airway obstruction or aspiration, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, positioning them on their side is the best practice in this scenario.