COPR Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Practice Exam

The main idea is to keep the person safe and ensure their airway remains open during and after the seizure. Don’t try to restrain their movements or put anything in their mouth; both can cause injury or obstruct the airway. Instead, gently clear nearby hazards, cradle the head to protect it, and loosen tight clothing around the neck. When the convulsions stop, turn the person onto their side with the chin gently lifted (the recovery position). This helps keep the airway clear and reduces the risk of aspiration if they vomit. Throughout, monitor for normal breathing and level of responsiveness, and be ready to provide airway support or rescue breathing if needed. After the seizure ends, reassess and transport to higher care if the seizure lasts longer than about five minutes, if the person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, or if there are injuries or other complicating factors (pregnancy, diabetes, head injury, etc.). Do not give anything by mouth during the seizure. Fluids or food should wait until the person is fully awake and able to swallow safely.