Seizure First Aid

Absence Seizure

  • Time the seizure
  • Stay with the person
  • Reassure the person when the seizure is finished
  • Reorientate person as to what they were doing prior to the seizure

Tonic-Clonic

  • Time the seizure
  • Stay with the person
  • Move harmful objects away from the person that may cause harm or injury
  • Place something soft under the head to prevent head injury
  • Place into the recovery position as soon as practical
  • Monitor airway and breathing
  • Do not put anything in the mouth
  • Do not restrain
  • Reassure person they are safe and help is on the way
  • Do not give food or drink until the person is fully conscious and alert
  • When the seizure is over the person may be confused. They may be tired and want to sleep

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.

Focal Seizure with impairment of consciousness or awareness

  • Time the seizure
  • Stay with the person and keep them safe
  • 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 Focal seizure with impairment of consciousness or awareness in 10-15 minutes
  • Another seizures quickly follows
  • The person has been injured,
  • Or you are in doubt.