You know how to help someone having a panic attack but what about a sickle cell crisis? A student has taken to TikTok showing the public what we’ve never been taught.
Would you know what to do if someone was having a sickle cell crisis? Most people wouldn’t and that alone speaks volumes.
Despite there being widespread guidance on how to help someone going through a panic attack, a stroke or even a heart attack, there’s little advice on how to support someone going through a sickle cell crisis.
Sickle cell disease refers to a group of health conditions affecting the red blood cells, which is particularly common among people with an African or Caribbean heritage. The condition affects over 15,000 people in the UK, predominantly within the Black community.
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When sickle cell pain hits, it’s far from something you can power through. As Calvin Campbell, who lives with the disease previously explained to The Mirror: “It is akin to someone taking a baseball bat, smashing and breaking every single bone in my body then forcing me to run a marathon as they continue to beat me, and after all that I still have to get on with life while they carry on beating me.”
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form in a rigid sickle shape, which can block blood flow, lead to excruciating pain, organ damage or at worst death. Crises can be triggered by many things, such as dehydration, cold weather, stress or even extreme heat.
One physician assistant student, @_oyinkay has taken to Tiktok to share a clear step-by-step breakdown on how to support someone during a crisis. While this isn’t medical treatment available, Oyin has provided an effective way to provide comfort and case for anyone going through a crisis.
Sickle cell performance coach Dr Lewis, who also lives with the disease, confirms these tips are essential to know saying “In terms of what to do if someone’s having a sickle cell crisis in front of you, it’s supportive comfort you need to give them,” he told The Mirror.
What to do if someone is having a sickle cell crisis
Stay calm and be reassuring
“There is no point you panicking when someone is in front of you in pain or struggling, okay?” the PA student, Oyin explains. “Get ready – they’re going to need your help.”
Identify the crisis
Find out where the pain is. Ask them what’s going on and where they’re feeling it. Crisis’ usually happen in joints like the elbows or knees however they can occur anywhere, with some crisis resulting in pain in multiple places.
Find the trigger
Each crisis is different. Is the person too cold? Too hot? Tired? Unwell? Dehydrated? Struggling to breathe? Knowing the cause helps you respond better.
Dr Lewis adds that some triggers may signal deeper issues that need medical attention. “If it’s something that might need to be examined by a medical doctor – such as an infection or very severe pain that isn’t responding to their normal painkillers people need to be aware they need assistance to get to the hospital.”
Try to resolve the trigger
While each crisis is different. If you know the trigger, you can attempt to resolve it – such as if they’re too cold, too hot, tired, unwell or dehydrated – you can try to ease it. Such as if they’re cold, offer a blanket. If they’re overheating, open a window. If they’re able to drink, give them sips of water to stay hydrated.
Keeping them warm and comfortable helps to improve blood flow giving their body a better chance at coping.
Ask about their treatment plan
“People with sickle cell usually have a treatment plan and they are well aware of what works for them,” Oyin says. Listen to what they need – whether that’s lying down, taking specific medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or simply having space to breathe.
Listen to the patient
“They know their body, they know what works best for them,” she says. “If they’re saying they need to sit down or lie down – listen,” she says, “Be there how they need, not how you need.”
That emotional support can be critical in helping someone make a tough call.
“Sometimes making that decision to go to hospital is quite difficult – even though they know they need to go because of how badly sickle cell patients can be treated in hospital and previous negative experiences,” says Dr Lewis.
“What also helps is that mental, emotional support – helping them come to the decision to go if they’re not getting enough pain relief outside of hospital,” he added.
Oyin also added by praying with them, comforting them just being there can be all the help someone needs. “Imagine you’re in a moment of literal intense pain that you can’t control. You might just need someone to hold your hand or to sit beside you so you’re not alone.”
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Sickle cell crises can last days, sometimes even weeks. They often require hospital-level pain management with opioids, and in severe cases, can lead to strokes, blindness or organ failure.
Yet despite its seriousness, public understanding of the condition remains low especially when it comes to knowing how to help. This guide isn’t a substitute for medical advice but it might just help someone feel less alone.
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