Epilepsy Assistance

26 Jan Epilepsy Assistance

FIRST AID FOR A SEIZURE

TONIC CLONIC SEIZURE

DO

• Remain calm
• Stay with person
• Time seizure
• Protect from injury especially the head
• Roll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if food/fluid/vomit in mouth
• Maintain privacy and dignity
• Observe and monitor breathing
• Gently reassure until recovered

DO NOT

• Put anything in their mouth
• Restrain the person
• Move person unless in danger
• Apply CPR

Convulsive seizures where the body stiffens (tonic phase) followed by general muscle jerking (clonic phase).

If seizure occurs in wheelchair, car seat or stroller:

• Leave person in chair with seatbelt on
• Lean person slightly to one side to aid drainage of any fluid/food/vomit in mouth
• Support head and protect airway as required
• After jerking stops carefully remove from chair and place in recovery position if possible or required

View our Seizure First Aid Posters (including first aid for people in a wheelchair or tilt wheelchair)

FOCAL DYSCOGNITIVE SEIZURE (Complex Partial)

Non-convulsive seizure with outward signs of confusion, inappropriate responses or behaviour.

• Remain calm
• Stay with person
• Time the seizure
• Gently guide away from danger
• Reassure until recovered
• DO NOT restrain

ABSENCE SEIZURE

Mostly affects children. Non-convulsive seizure, brief blank periods with loss of awareness. Can be mistaken for daydreaming.

• Remain calm
• Reassure
• Repeat any missed information
• Call an ambulance (000 in Australia) if:

• You are in any doubt
• You arrive after the seizure has started
• Injury has occurred
• Food or water is in mouth during seizure
• The seizure has occured in water
• The seizure lasts longer than normal for that person
• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
• Another seizure follows quickly
• The person is non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure ends
• The person has breathing difficulties after the jerking stops
• It is the person’s first known seizure

This is not an exhaustive list, however it is a starting point to help you consider response to seizures.

If you are likely to have a seizure in public, it is advisable to wear some form of medical ID or medical ID card.

Free First Aid Posters:

You can download the PDF versions of First Aid for Seizures via the link below, print on A3 paper and put up on a notice board or wall for easy reference at home or work.

View our Seizure First Aid Posters (including first aid for people in a wheelchair or tilt wheelchair)

Thanks to Epilepsy Action Australia

1300 37 45 37