First Aid is essential if you want to be ready for any emergency. The Epilepsy Foundation offers educational materials and support for managing epilepsy and understanding seizure first aid. One of the key parts of First Aid is recognising and responding to seizures which can happen out of the blue and need immediate attention. The Epilepsy Learning Portal is a comprehensive resource for virtual training sessions and educational materials on epilepsy and seizures. Knowing how to recognise the signs of a seizure and what to do can make all the difference for the person having the seizure. In this article we will look at the importance of First Aid, the signs and symptoms of seizures and what to do.
Why First Aid Certification is Important
1. Immediate Response
First Aid certification gives you the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency. In the case of a seizure, quick and informed action is key to preventing further harm and stabilising the person until medical help can get to them.
2. Confidence in an Emergency
When faced with an emergency confidence plays a big part in the response. First Aid training gives you that confidence by giving you practical skills and the knowledge to act in an emergency, including seizures.
3. Safety Awareness
First Aid training promotes a proactive approach to safety. Certified people are more aware of the hazards in their environment and can take steps to reduce the risks and prevent accidents and injuries from happening.
4. Professional and Personal Preparedness
For many jobs—healthcare providers, teachers, lifeguards, childcare workers—First Aid certification is a job requirement. But beyond that, being certified in First Aid means you are prepared for emergencies in any situation, whether at home, work or in public.
Seizures: Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
Seizures can be caused by many things including epilepsy, head injuries, high fevers and certain medical conditions. Recognising the signs and symptoms is the first step in giving aid.
1. Loss of Consciousness
One of the most common signs of a seizure, such as a grand mal seizure, is a sudden loss of consciousness. The person will collapse or become unresponsive.
2. Tonic Clonic Seizure
Convulsions or shaking is a common feature of many seizures. The person's body will jerk or twitch and these movements can vary in intensity.
3. Muscle Stiffness
In some types of seizures the person's muscles will stiffen and their body will become rigid. This can make the person immobile and result in awkward postures.
4. Altered Sensations
Seizures can cause weird sensations. The person may feel tingling, numbness or a strange taste or smell that isn't present in the environment.
5. Seizure Triggers
Some seizures can cause sudden behavioural changes. The person may repeat movements, seem confused or act out of character.
Not all seizures look the same. Some are dramatic and physical, others are more subtle so it’s important to be aware of the different presentations of seizures. Most seizures are not medical emergencies and will resolve on their own without lasting effects.
How to Respond to a Seizure: Step by Step
When someone has a seizure it's important to stay calm and help. Here's a step by step guide:
1. Safeguard the Person
First priority is to make sure the person is safe. Remove any objects near them that could cause injury during the seizure. If possible, cushion the person's head with something soft to prevent head injuries from hard surfaces.
2. Time the Seizure
Keep track of the length of the seizure. Use a watch or phone to time how long it lasts. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes or the person has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
3. Don't Restrict the Person
Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements during a seizure. Restraining them can cause injury and doesn't stop the seizure.
4. Protect the Person from Harm
While you shouldn't restrain the person, you should prevent them from hurting themselves. Move objects out of their way and put something soft under their head if they are convulsing. If possible, gently roll them onto their side to keep their airway clear.
5. Don't Put Anything in the Person's Mouth
A common myth is that you should put something in a seizing person's mouth to stop them from swallowing their tongue. This is not true and putting something in their mouth can cause more harm like broken teeth or choking.
6. Time the Seizure
Keep an eye on the clock. If the seizure goes on for more than 5 minutes or the person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness call emergency services immediately. Prolonged seizures can be life threatening.
7. Stay with the Person After the Seizure
Once the seizure ends, the person may be disoriented, confused, or tired. Stay with them until they are fully conscious and alert. Offer reassurance and help them into a safe position. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully alert and able to swallow safely.
8. Get Medical Help if Needed
If the person has never had a seizure before, is injured or is having difficulty breathing after the seizure call medical help immediately. Even if the person seems to be fully recovered they should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
9. Document the Seizure
After the person has recovered make a note of any details about the seizure, duration, symptoms, and any notable behaviour before or after the seizure. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat the person.
First Aid in Seizure Management
First Aid is a comprehensive training program that covers many emergency situations including seizures. Here’s why you should do a First Aid course:
Having a seizure first aid poster available for quick reference during emergencies is crucial for effectively managing tonic-clonic seizures.
1. Understanding Seizures
First Aid courses teach you in-depth about different types of seizures, what causes them and how to identify them. This knowledge is key to responding to a seizure.
2. Life Saving Skills
First Aid goes beyond just seizure management. You will learn many life saving skills including CPR, wound care and how to handle choking, all of which are important skills in an emergency.
3. Community Benefit
Certified people make the community safer. By being able to respond to emergencies they can provide immediate assistance until professional help arrives and potentially save lives.
Be Prepared: Seizure Recognition in First Aid
Seizures are unpredictable and can happen to anyone anywhere. Avoiding seizure triggers is crucial as a preventive measure against Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). First Aid certification gives you the skills to recognize and respond to emergencies. Managing seizures through medication and avoiding triggers can minimize the risk of sudden unexpected death. Whether you are at home, work or in public being certified in First Aid means you are ready when it matters most.
If you want to get certified in First Aid consider a course that covers many emergency situations including seizures. These courses will give you the skills to respond with confidence and make a real difference in your community.
Conclusion
First Aid certification is not just about meeting a requirement or adding to your resume; it's about being able to help others in their time of need. Seizures can be scary for the person having them and for those watching. But with the right training and knowledge you can provide support and care and make the best outcome.
By doing First Aid you are taking the first step to being a responsible and capable responder in an emergency. Your actions can save lives, comfort and prevent further injury. Seizure recognition and response is part of First Aid and by being prepared you can make a real difference when it counts.
