What should you do when a 52-year-old female begins to seize while being placed on a stretcher?

When a 52-year-old female begins to seize while being placed on a stretcher, the best course of action is to loosely apply straps and raise the side rails. This approach ensures the patient’s safety during the seizure. Securing the patient prevents them from falling off the stretcher or injuring themselves while convulsing.

Loosely applied straps allow for adequate movement during the seizure without restricting respiratory or circulatory function, which is crucial in managing a seizing patient. Raising the side rails further enhances safety and containment, protecting the individual from injury during the involuntary movements associated with a seizure.

Administering oxygen, while important in many scenarios, would not be an immediate priority during the seizure itself unless the patient exhibits signs of oxygen deprivation postictally. Calling for backup doesn’t directly contribute to managing the immediate situation, as stabilization and safety should be prioritized first. Providing intravenous access can also be necessary for further treatment or medication once the immediate danger is managed, but it should not distract from ensuring the patient's safety during the seizure.