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7 First Aid Tips For Dealing With An Epileptic Seizure

Would you know what to do if someone had a seizure?

This guide is particularly relevant for tonic clonic seizures where the person shakes or jerks.

Although seizures can be frightening to see, they are not usually a medical emergency. Usually, once the seizure stops, the person recovers and their breathing goes back to normal. If this is their first seizure, they should always seek medical advice.

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1. Keep calm
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Try to stay calm as it will help you have a clear mind and enable you to help the person having the seizure.

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2. Protect the person
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If the person is in a safe place don’t move them. Remove any harmful objects that may be around them.

Don’t hold them down or restrict their movements, and don’t put anything in their mouth.

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3. Cushion their head
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If the person has collapsed – cushion their head with something soft.

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4. Stay with them
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You should stay with the person until the seizure is over and help has arrived.

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5. Reassure the person
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Help by keeping them calm and reassure them that you are there with them.

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6. Keep an eye out on the clock
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Take note of the time the seizure starts and finishes.

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7. Keep looking...
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If the seizure doesn’t stop after 5 minutes – call 999.

how to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

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