Useful FIRST AID hints

for convulsive seizures and drop seizures

• Keep calm

• Only move the person if they are in danger

• Protect the person's head with a pillow, a cushion or a rolled-up jumper if possible

• Move hard furniture or objects away if possible

• Do not attempt to restrain the person

• DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE PERSON'S MOUTH.

• Do not call an ambulance unless the seizure lasts more than five minutes without pause or one seizure follows another without recovery or if the patient  has other injuries or difficulty breathing.

• If you call an ambulance give a full description of what has happened and for how long the seizure has lasted so that the paramedics can give the call suitable priority and provide appropriate care.

• After the seizure  (once the jerking stops)

• roll them on to their side into the recovery position

• wipe away any spit and if their breathing is difficult make sure nothing is blocking their airway

• try to avoid embarrassment and if they have wet themselves  help them as privately as possible

• Stay with them until they have fully recovered and provide assistance if they request it.

• FIRST AID

  for non-convulsive seizures

   

  This requires only that the person is guided away from any form of danger. They should be offered privacy as incontinence sometimes occurs. It is important to speak to them and treat them gently as they may be confused until they fully recover. Be aware that they may react aggressively when they are recovering either as a result of the seizure or of being treated unkindly in a previous episode.

   

What is Status Epilepticus?

Usually seizures stop of their own accord. However, occasionally seizures do not stop or one seizure follows another without the person recovering in between. When this happens it is called status epilepticus (or just status). This can happen during any type of seizure but if it happens in a tonic clonic (convulsive) seizure it is a medical emergency and medical help is essential.

How else can I help?

People with epilepsy often do not know what happens to them during a seizure due to loss of consciousness or awareness. People who have seen the seizure can provide vital information to a GP or Neurologist. Take a careful note of what happened such as how long the seizure lasted, what made you notice the seizure was happening, did they have difficulty breathing or cry out during the seizure. If you had reason to call an ambulance you can tell this information to the paramedic who answers your call.