First Aid – Epilepsy

First Aid

It is important for people to know what to do when a convulsive seizure occurs. These first aid rules are simple to follow:

• Keep calm.
• Let the seizure run its course and do not do anything to try and stop it.
• If possible, put something soft under the person’s head and move away objects to prevent injury.
• After the seizure, lay the person on their side (into the recovery position) and stay for 15-20 minutes to check breathing and colour.
• It is unnecessary to call an ambulance unless: the person is injured; the seizure does not stop after a few minutes; one seizure follows closely after another; or the person has trouble breathing.

Health professionals can properly inform family and friends about first-aid and additional information is available from epilepsy organizations on specific issues e.g. Status Epilepticus.

(contributed)