Recovery Position for Seizures: Guidelines Are Conflicting
Summary
This study looked at how first aid guidelines recommend using the recovery position (RP) for people having generalized seizures. Researchers reviewed 26 different guidelines and original research articles to see what advice is given about this practice. They found that there is no clear agreement on when or how to use the recovery position during a seizure.
The key findings showed that half of the guidelines suggested placing a person on their side during a seizure, while the other half recommended doing this only after the seizure has ended. Importantly, the researchers found little original research to support these recommendations. They noted that putting someone on their side during a seizure could lead to serious injuries, like shoulder dislocations, and might make it harder to notice if the person has stopped breathing.
This matters because it highlights the confusion and lack of solid evidence surrounding the use of the recovery position during seizures. While it can be helpful to place someone on their side after a seizure when they are unresponsive but breathing normally, doing so during an ongoing seizure may cause more harm than good. More research is needed to clarify the best practices for managing seizures safely.
