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Guidance

Seizures are caused by rapid and uncoordinated electrical firing in the brain. This can cause temporary abnormalities in behaviors, movements, sensations or a loss of consciousness.

Symptoms

Loss of consciousness
Impaired thinking
Numbness or tingling sensations
Excess saliva coming from mouth
Increased heart rate

Treatment

Don’t try to restrain the person or stop the jerking. The main thing is to prevent them from injuring themselves. Don’t move the person unless they are in danger. Put something soft under their head, remove any sharp or unstable objects from the area and stay with them.

There is no danger they will swallow their tongue. Don’t put anything in their mouth and make sure there is no fluid or vomit that could choke them.

Time the seizure and keep an eye on their breathing.

Talk to them calmly to reassure them, until they regain consciousness.

When the seizure stops, put them on their side in the recovery position. If they have vomited or have food or fluid in their mouth put them in the recovery position immediately.

If they fall asleep after the seizure don’t disturb them, but keep monitoring their breathing.

Don’t let them have anything to eat or drink until the seizure has completely stopped. If possible, someone should go home with them.

Call emergency services if:

– The seizure continues for more than five minutes or a second seizure quickly follows the first

– The person has been injured

– The person has diabetes or is pregnant

– You know, or believe it to be the person’s first seizure

– There is food, vomit or fluid in the mouth

Follow the Basic Life Support Action Plan DRSABCD.