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Seizures can be caused for a range of reasons, and are not limited to those that suffer from Epilepsy. Change in medication, or even pregnancy can lead to seizures, so be prepared, and do not assume it will be a life long condition.
What are you likely to see? A major seizure is more common, however minor seizures can be as simple as someone becoming distant and clearly awake but unresponsive. If you spot this, be prepared for a major seizure, but this may not happen.
A major seizure will normally involve the person suddenly falling to the floor and fitting uncontrollably. Loss of bladder control is also common, for this reason we want to remove bystanders who are not there to help.
What do we need to do?
- DO NOT hold the person down; this will result in further injury.
- Make sure you protect the persons head to avoid head injury when falling, or during the seizure.
- Use coats, jumpers and other soft items to protect the person from their surroundings, and remove items that could cause harm if struck.
- Allow the seizure to happen. Call 999. Training is offered free of charge via the NHS for friends and family, if someone is diagnosed with something like Epilepsy, and this will give advice about when 999 may not be needed.
- Once the person starts to come out of the seizure, be prepared to support their head, they can be confused and even aggressive, so give them room, if needed. Reassure the casualty.
- Place the casualty in the recovery position and await the emergency services, monitoring breathing. If the condition changes, update the Emergency services.
Please remember, the information covered is only a guide, and the best way to learn what to do in an emergency is to book on to a local training session.
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