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First Aid

Below is a basic guide about what to do in case of a seizure.

TONIC CLONIC SEIZURE

Convulsive seizures where the body stiffens (tonic phase) followed by general muscle jerking (clonic phase).

Do

DO

  • Remain calm
  • Stay with person
  • Time seizure
  • Protect from injury especially the head
  • Roll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if food/fluid/vomit in mouth
  • Maintain privacy and dignity
  • Observe and monitor breathing
  • Gently reassure until recovered
Do Not

DO NOT

  • Put anything in their mouth
  • Restrain the person
  • Move person unless in danger
  • Apply CPR

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

View our Seizure First Aid Posters (including first aid for people in a wheelchair or tilt wheelchair) 

FOCAL DYSCOGNITIVE SEIZURE (Complex Partial)

Non-convulsive seizure with outward signs of confusion, inappropriate responses or behaviour.

  • Remain calm
  • Stay with person
  • Time the seizure
  • Gently guide away from danger
  • Reassure until recovered
  • DO NOT restrain

ABSENCE SEIZURE

Mostly affects children. Non-convulsive seizure, brief blank periods with loss of awareness. Can be mistaken for daydreaming.

  • Remain calm
  • Reassure
  • Repeat any missed information

Ambulance

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 seizure lasts longer than five minutes
  • Another seizure follows quickly
  • The person is non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure ends
  • 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 via the link below, print on A3 paper and put up on a notice board or wall for easy reference at home or work.

View our Seizure First Aid Posters (including first aid for people in a wheelchair or tilt wheelchair)