The Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification training is also available to those wanting to obtain continuing education units. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Show
This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1.5 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Provider ID#: 121739 For additional information please contact the Epilepsy Foundation Public Health and Education Team at . Knowing What to Do if Someone Has a SeizureFeeling helpless watching someone have a seizure is difficult—whether it’s a loved one, friend, or even a stranger. Our training and resources can teach you how to recognize and respond to seizures safely. While there are many different types of seizures, during many of them a person may be unaware of what is going on or lose consciousness. A person could get hurt during a seizure or a seizure could last too long, or the seizure could cluster. Knowing what to do when someone has a seizure can make a difference and save a life. If you see someone having a seizure or fit, there are some simple things you can do to help. It might be scary to witness, but do not panic. If you're with someone having a seizure:
If the person is in a wheelchair, put the brakes on and leave any seatbelt or harness on. Support them gently and cushion their head, but do not try to move them. Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. They should not have any food or drink until they have fully recovered. When to call an ambulanceCall 999 and ask for an ambulance if:
People with epilepsy do not always need an ambulance or to go to hospital every time they have a seizure. They usually have a care plan agreed with doctors and their family or carers that says what to do when they have a seizure, such as giving emergency medicine. If you know what to do and have been trained then you can follow their care plan. Some people with epilepsy wear a special bracelet or carry a card to let medical professionals and anyone witnessing a seizure know they have epilepsy. Epilepsy Action has more information about seizures that last longer than 5 minutes. Make a note of any useful informationIf you see someone having a seizure, you may notice things that could be useful for the person or their doctor to know:
You can watch healthtalk.org videos of people talking about having epileptic seizures. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) also has useful leaflets you can download about a first seizure without a fever in children and young people. Keeping a seizure diaryIf you have epilepsy, it can be helpful to record the details of your seizures in a diary. Read more about seizure diaries and download one for free from:
Page last reviewed: 15 December 2020 What are appropriate interventions when a client is having a seizure?These are general steps to help someone who is having any type seizure: Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake. After it ends, help the person sit in a safe place. Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in very simple terms.
What assessments should be done after a seizure?After a seizure, your doctor will thoroughly review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your seizure and evaluate how likely it is that you'll have another one. Tests may include: A neurological exam.
What are the priorities of care for a patient during and after a seizure?The priorities when caring for a patient who is seizing are to maintain a patent airway, protect the patient from injury, provide care during and following the seizure and documenting the event in the health record.
Which action does the nurse take when working with a patient experiencing a seizure?Keep the person SAFE. Help the person lie down, and place something soft under the head and neck. Keep the person (especially the head) away from sharp or hard objects, such as the corner of a table. Loosen all tight clothing.
|