"Calm, Cushion, Call" Part 2

"Calm, Cushion, Call" Part 1

     An athlete at one of the Special Olympic sports our eldest participates in had a seizure tonight. It was short and apparently not unusual. The circumstances of this person's health issue is quite different from our daughter's; this athlete has non-epileptic seizures brought on by a cardiac condition. The result however is the same. Like any seizure, some degree of first-aid knowledge was needed, care had to be taken, play need to be temporarily diverted and timing had to happen. And like a well-oiled machine, the Special Olympics coaching staff took care of it. Everyone had a role to play and they played it. I ended up attending as well just because I was close by. My experience with our daughter's epilepsy has left me aware of how seizures can affect those around them. I really was not needed but I stayed close, if only to witness the superb organization of the coaching staff and to learn yet again that seizures are common, even non-epileptic ones, if we pay attention.
     The most important piece though is knowing what to do if someone is having a seizure. London bus driver Vic Hamilton is part of the "Calm, cushion and call" campaign currently running in the U.K. If you can remember nothing else these three C's will help you to take care of someone who is having a seizure:
1. Stay CALM and you will be helpful.
2. CUSHION the person's head to keep them safe.
3. For any seizure over five minutes, CALL 9-1-1.
Thank you!