Seizure First Aid
Absence
-
This type of seizure does not usually require any first–aid
- Reassure
the person when the seizure is finished
Tonic-Clonic
- Move
harmful objects away
- Place
something soft under the head and shoulders
- Do not put anything in the mouth
- Do not restrain
- As soon as possible after the seizure has stopped roll the
person onto
their side to assist breathing
- When the seizure is over the person may be confused
- Reassure them until they are fully aware of their surroundings
Call
an ambulance (000) if
- The
active or jerking movements of a tonic–clonic seizure
last
for more than 5 minutes
- Another
seizure quickly follows
- The
person has been injured, or
- If
you are in doubt
Complex Partial
- Stay
with the person and speak calmly in an attempt to affect
their behaviour
- Do
not restrain or try to stop activity unless it is dangerous
- Reassure
the person until they are aware of their surroundings and
offer
assistance to get home.
Call
an ambulance (000) if
- The
person has not begun to recover from a complex partial seizure
in 10-15 minutes
- Another
seizures quickly follows
- The
person has been injured,
- Or
you are in doubt.
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia Inc on the Internet is designed to provide basic
information about epilepsy. It is not intended, nor does it
constitute medical or other professional advice. Diagnosis
and advice on medical care or other assessments should be
sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified professional.
