First Aid
Below is a basic guide about what to do in case of a seizure.
TONIC CLONIC SEIZURE ("Grand Mal")
Convulsive seizures where the body stiffens (tonic phase) followed by general muscle jerking (clonic phase).
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DO
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DO NOT
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If seizure occurs in wheelchair, car seat or stroller:
- Leave person in chair with seatbelt on
- Lean person slightly to one side to aid drainage of any fluid/food/vomit in mouth
- Support head and protect airway as required
- After jerking stops carefully remove from chair and place in recovery position if possible or required
See Seizure First Aid – Wheelchair
COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURE (Focal)
Non-convulsive seizure with outward signs of confusion, unresponsiveness or inappropriate behaviour.
- Remain calm
- Stay with person
- Time the seizure
- Gently guide away from danger
- Reassure until recovered
- DO NOT restrain
ABSENCE SEIZURE ('Petit Mal')
Mostly affects children. Non-convulsive with brief blank periods with loss of awareness. Can be mistaken for daydreaming.
- Remain calm
- Reassure
- Repeat any missed information
Call an ambulance (000 in Australia) if:
- You are in any doubt
- You arrive after the seizure has started
- Injury has occurred
- Food or water is in mouth during seizure
- The seizure has occurs in water
- The seizure lasts longer than normal for that person
- The jerking of a tonic-clonic seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- Another seizure follows quickly
- A complex partial seizure lasts longer than 15 mins
- The person has breathing difficulties after the jerking stops
- It is the person’s first known seizure
This is not an exhaustive list, however it is a starting point to help you consider response to seizures.
If you are likely to have a seizure in public, it is advisable to wear some form of medical ID or medical ID card.
Free First Aid Posters:
You can download the PDF versions of First Aid for Seizures below, print on A3 paper and put up on a notice board or wall for easy reference at home or work.
