TONIC CLONIC SEIZURE ("Grand Mal")
Convulsive seizures where the body stiffens (tonic phase) followed by general muscle jerking (clonic phase).

	DO Remain calm Stay with person Time seizure Protect from injury Roll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if vomited Maintain privacy and dignity Observe and reassure until recovered
	DO NOT Put anything in their mouth Restrain the person Move person unless in danger Apply CPR In the unlikely event resuscitation is necessary, commence once jerking stops

Note: If seizure occurs while a person is seated in a wheelchair, car or stroller, support their head and leave safely strapped in seat until seizure is finished. If there is food, water or vomit in their mouth, remove person from seat and roll them onto their side immediately.

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.
MedicAlert are one organisation that provides these.

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.

Seizure First Aid - General

Seizure First Aid - Wheelchair