What is the primary action to take for a patient experiencing a seizure?

When a patient is experiencing a seizure, the primary action is to ensure the patient's safety, protect their head, and time the duration of the seizure. This action focuses on minimizing the potential for injury during the seizure. It's critical to create a safe environment by moving any dangerous objects away from the patient and cushioning their head to prevent trauma. Timing the seizure is also important because it helps determine if the seizure is prolonged, which may require further medical intervention.

While calling for additional personnel might be necessary in some situations, it is not the immediate priority during a seizure. Administering medication is not typically within the scope of practice for basic emergency responders unless specifically trained and authorized, and it is usually not done until after a seizure has ended. Restricting the patient's movements can be harmful, as it may lead to injuries or complications; therefore, allowing the seizure to occur without interference, while ensuring safety, is the appropriate response.