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Epileptic Seizure (First Aid)

by Tracy Weston
(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)
If someone has a seizure, try to stay calm
Wait for it to pass. No cause for alarm.
You cannot stop a seizure once it has begun
A few minutes and it will be over and done.
Never try to restrain a person in any way
Let them move freely, they will be okay.
Move any objects that they may bump into
Try to ensure they don't end up black and blue!
Never offer anything to eat or drink
They could choke. Take a moment to stop and think.

If the person stumbles or falls to the ground
No need to fuss. No need to crowd around.
There won't be anything of any interest to see
This person isn't ill, they have epilepsy.
You can place something soft under the head
It may prevent a nasty bump and time spent in bed!
Be patient and wait until the seizure has past
Check your watch and see how long it lasts.
If it lasts ten minutes or the seizure doesn't stop
Dial 999 for an ambulance, as quick as you can.

Usually the seizure will stop, the person come round
Roll them on their side, make them comfy on the ground
Check their airways are clear, ensure they are breathing
Look for any injuries; cuts; bruises or any bleeding.
Let the person rest until they are ready to get up
Maybe ask someone nearby to go and find a grown-up.
Nothing to eat or drink yet, its too soon for that
Keep them company; reassure; maybe even a chat.
You've done everything you can and done your best
They'll be fine once they're at home and able to rest.

A seizure affects the brain and can last for a few seconds or several minutes. A person will be affected for the length of time that the seizure lasts. There are different types of seizures and many will not require first aid. Other seizures may require only some of the first aid described above.


The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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Related pages in Patient UK

 Epilepsy - A General Introduction
 Epilepsy - Childhood Absence Seizures
 Epilepsy - Contraception / Preg. Issues
 Epilepsy - Could It Be?
 Epilepsy - Dealing With a Seizure
 Epilepsy - Living With Epilepsy
 Epilepsy - Partial Seizures
 Epilepsy - Tonic Clonic Seizures
 Epilepsy - Treatments
 Epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death (SUDEP)

Support Group ASSERT - Angelman Syndrome Support Education and Research Trust
Support Group Epilepsy Action
Support Group Epilepsy Bereaved
Support Group Epilepsy Connections
Support Group Epilepsy Research UK
Support Group Epilepsy Scotland
Support Group Epilepsy Wales
Support Group Joint Epilepsy Council
Support Group MedicAlert® Foundation
Support Group National Society for Epilepsy
Support Group NCYPE - National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
Support Group NEAD Trust (Non Eplieptic Attack Disorder)
Support Group Quarriers
Support Group St Elizabeth's Centre
Support Group Support Dogs
Support Group UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register

 Epilepsy in Elderly People
 Managing Epilepsy in Primary Care

 Guidelines on Epilepsy

 Epilepsy
 Non Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)

 Links to online videos on Epilepsy

Recent related news items

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 Coping with Epilepsy
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 Epilepsy (Understanding)
 Epilepsy and Seizures (The Daily Telegraph)
 Epilepsy and Your Child: Answers At Your Fingertips (2nd Edition)
 Epilepsy. The Facts
 Epilepsy: Answers At Your Fingertips (2nd Edition)
 Epilepsy: British Medical Association's Family Doctor Series

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