Seizure first aid if you see someone having a seizure, there are steps you can take to help them. Recognition of seizure disorders and knowledge of first aid is important because it is very easy to mistake some sei zures. Educating the school nurse, teachers, staff, and students about epilepsy and its treatment, seizure first aid, and possible. First aid for generalized seizures with muscle stiffening, jerking, falling, or loss of awareness when most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized seizure, or what used to be called a tonicclonic or grand mal seizure.
The site talks about the 4 cs of seizure first aid. First, your healthcare provider will run a series of tests to determine the cause of epilepsy. Repeated seizures first time seizure difficulty breathing seizure occurs in water seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes person does not return to their usual state person is injured, pregnant, or sick this publication is made possible with funding from the centers for disease control and prevention cdc under cooperative grant agreement number. The goal is to keep someone safe and know when more help is needed. Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million americans and 50 million people worldwide. First time seizure difficulty breathing seizure occurs in water seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes person does not return to their usual state person is injured, pregnant, or sick this publication is made possible with funding from the centers for disease control and prevention cdc under cooperative grant agreement number. Seizures usually end on their own within seconds or a few minutes. Epilepsy foundation 4351 garden city drive landover, md 20785. Even if you arent a trained health professional, you can still learn some basic first aid for dealing with seizures.
Aug 12, 2010 first aid for seizures stay calm and track time do not restrain the person, but help them avoid hazards protect head, remove glasses, loosen tight neckwear move anything hard or sharp out of the way turn person on one side, position mouth to ground check for epilepsy or seizure disorder id understand that. Apr 15, 2020 i found a site that details first aid instructions find it here, for both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures. For more first aid information, visit the epilepsy foundation. We also look at what first aid should be used in different settings, like when a seizure happens in water. The form the seizure takes depends on where in the brain the excessive. The firstline treatment for epilepsy is antiseizure medication. Click here for a brochure about seizure first aid pdf format which explains what to do for different types of seizures. You might want to give teachers and other caregivers copies as well. Do stay with the person until the seizure ends and offer assistance 2. Mental health first aid training external this evidencebased. Readers are warned not to take any action with regard to unauthorized medical treatment without first consulting a physician. First aid for generalized tonicclonic grand mal seizures. They are revised regularly to ensure the most current information is provided.
For more first aid information, visit the epilepsy foundation online. For national epilepsy week 2026 may 2019 we are launching a new campaign aimed at giving people the basic tools of seizure first aid that could help save a life. These drugs help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Recognition and first aid table and seizure record form included in the forms section to help you.
Epilepsy first aid is about educating the public on what to do when you see someone having a seizure. Protecting a child with epilepsy from harm is important, but so too is providing opportunities for the child to fully. Epilepsy ontario unit 15 470 north rivermede road concord, on canada l4k 3r8. First aid for tonic clonic seizures convulsive seizures where the body stiffens tonic phase followed by general muscle jerking clonic phase 1. 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 foodfluidvomit in mouth maintain privacy and dignity observe and monitor breathing gently reassure until.
A seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain. However, by recognising the physical signs of seizures and knowing the appropriate first aid response, and above all, staying calm, you can help. Mental health first aid training external this evidencebased program can help people recognize mental health crises and learn how to connect a person to mental health care. First aid epilepsy action australiaepilepsy action australia. General seizure first aid includes care and comfort steps that should be done for anyone during or after a seizure. First aid is a complicated subject and it is situationspecific. First time seizure difficulty breathing seizure occurs in water seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes person does not return to their usual state person is injured, pregnant, or sick this publication. When you see someone having a seizure, do not be frightened. We give advice, improve healthcare, fund research and campaign for change. It is not uncommon to feel frightened and helpless when witnessing a seizure, especially for the first time. Do nplace the person onto one side n clear the area of hazardous objects n remove eyeglasses ntime the seizure n call 911 if it.
First aid for seizures is what you can do to keep a person safe until the seizure stops by itself. When providing seizure first aid for generalized tonic clonic grand mal seizures, these are the key things to remember. Did you know that 1 in 10 people will experience a single seizure in their lifetime. Learning basic seizure first aid can help you be prepared to respond to seizures safely and appropriately. Carry a card in your wallet or wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace. How to qualify for social security disability benefits with.
If you have a classroom that might be interested in taking part in a studentdriven epilepsy awareness project preferably 4th6th grade, please read more here and contact heidi. First aid information and steps on what should you do if someone is having a. Seizure first aid is intended to provide basic information about appropriate ways to respond when an individual begins having a seizure. Some people are prescribed medication to be given in the community setting for seizure emergencies. Even if you arent a trained health professional, you can still learn some basic. 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. Download first aid information pdf important points to remember. Information to help you help epilepsy foundation of. Pdf resources epilepsy foundation of san diego county. Many last only a few minutes and stop on their own. Make sure your family, friends, teachers or coworkers know seizure first aid, including how first aid for choking. When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonicclonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure.
Please give a gift today to provide first aid and safety information to everyone affected by epilepsy. For people like you who deal frequently with the public, this pamphlet should help you recognize a. While epilepsy can develop at any age, it is more common among the young and the elderly. First aid information on what to do when someone is having a seizure and information about when to call 999. Convulsive seizure with loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, falling, followed by jerking movements. In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of whats going on around them. If the seizure progresses to a complex partial or tonic. A guide to basic first aid for seizures and epilepsy.
First aid is defined as the help and medical assistance someone a sick or injured person. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Epilepsy south central ontario serves approximately 40,000 people living with epilepsy in. First aid for epilepsy what to do if you or someone you know has an epileptic seizure. Having seizure first aid knowledge and how to apply it can help. Epilepsy first aid epilepsy foundation of san diego county. As seizures occur suddenly, it is often difficult to intervene in time. Try and remember that seizures often dont last long and by following these steps, you can make sure the person stays safe. Epilepsy first aid published on september 7, 2017 january 28, 2018 by epilepsyfirstaid sponsors. Epilepsy action is a charity that improves the lives of everyone affected by epilepsy. Most seizures in people with epilepsy are not medical emergencies. Preparedness is key to first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or. Seizurespecific first aid for dealing with all types of.
Focal seizure nonconvulsive seizures with possible outward signs of confusion, inappropriate responses or behaviour. The epilepsy foundation of san diego county is a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving the san diego community since 1954. First aid generally not required as person remains aware. Seizure first aid it is not uncommon when witnessing a seizure, especially for the first time, to feel frightened and helpless. Children with epilepsy, purple day, purple day ribbons and talk about it are public names of the epilepsy association of new zealand international epilepsy day, purple. With 600,000 people in the uk with epilepsy, everyone should know what to do when they see someone having a seizure. Everyone should be taught these simple seizure first aid steps. First aid and seizures 1 seizures and first aid you may have seen an epileptic seizure and not even realized it. Many minor injuries may require first aid, including cuts, puncture wounds, sprains. Seizure dos and donts in these cases, a person loses consciousness, their muscles go rigid, and the whole body convulses.
Published on september 7, 2017 january 28, 2018 by epilepsyfirstaid. If a person is known to have epilepsy and the seizure pattern is uncomplicated and predictable, then ambulance help may not be necessary. This section provides information about seizure first aid for different kinds of seizures. Emergency services 000 epilepsy helpline 0 852 853 call 000 for an ambulance. Click here for a brochure about seizure first aid pdf format. These basic first aid steps will help you protect and care for your loved one during a seizure. First aid for tonic clonic seizures epilepsy ontario.
For any seizure if you dont know the person or if there is. First aid for seizures tonic clonic seizure seizures where the body stiffens tonic phase followed by general muscle jerking clonic phase. When providing first aid for seizures, try to keep calm and make sure the person having the seizure is comfortable and safe from harm. Prevent injury by moving any nearby objects out of the way. If the seizure progresses to a complex partial or tonic clonic seizure, see first aid as outlined for complex partial or tonic clonic seizures.
To find out more about epilepsy, seizures, and first aid, call the epilepsy foundation tollfree 1800332 or visit. Children with wellcontrolled seizures can participate in nearly all activities and sports. It is not intended to replace medical or other advice. Tonic clonic formerly called grand mal seizures and first aid seizure type characteristics first aid. Protecting a child with epilepsy from harm is important, but so too is providing opportunities for the child to fully experience life. I found a site that details first aid instructions find it here, for both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures. Educating the school nurse, teachers, staff, and students about epilepsy and its treatment, seizure first aid, and possible stigma associated with epilepsy. Epilepsy nz first aid poster series 531 kb feel free to download and print one or all three posters and place these around your premises to inform staff, students or the public on what to do if someone has a seizure. First aid for seizures procedure epilepsy foundation. Articles and stories from clients and friends on how the epilepsy foundation has made a difference in their lives. If an emergency medication plan is needed epilepsy action australia can assist, as well as offer the necessary training for those involved in caring or supporting someone with epilepsy.
Following the seizure action plan and administering first aid including the use of rescue medications. Click here for a brochure about seizure first aid pdf format which explains what to do for different types of seizures in general, if someone is having a seizure. Still, it can be alarming to see a child having a seizure, and it helps to know what to do. Remember to practice the stay, safe, side method of first aid response in the event of a seizure. However, by recognising the physical signs of seizures and. Keep calm and reassure other people who may be nearby. Understanding how to provide an emergency response for someone having a seizure can assist in reducing the impact of that seizure on the individual. Epilepsy services of nj esnj understands the importance of training school personnel about seizure first aid, and has been providing seizure recognition and first aid training to schoolaged youth, school nurses, school personnel, and first. If the seizure stops but the person does not regain consciousness within. They usually do not require a trip to the emergency room.