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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What should I do if someone is having an epileptic seizure?

    Related Topics
    Epilepsy & Seizures Neurology
    A staff members of mine has epilepsy and I would like to know what to do in the event that she has a seizure at work.
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  • 1

    Thanks

    sharron

    HealthShare Member

    first thing is dont panic.,   then move anything away from person that they might hit, eg chairs tables.
    then roll on side under leg straight other leg bent over top. like sleeping position… 
    right arm over body and in front of chest. left arm just lay beside body, …….
    saying all this while the person is having the siezure . you cant do anything, as the person has the strength of 10 men, just time the fit….
    and call a ambulance 000 in australia. 
    then do what ii said, after they have had the fit they mostly be either asleep for 4 to 24 hrs or some wake straight away, depends on the person… 
    one major thing DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN MOUTH…….EG FINGERS…. you will leave fingerless…
    hope i have helped. 
    been a epileptic for 26 yrs now 14 yrs fit free……

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  • Epilepsy Action Australia

    Established in 1952, Epilepsy Action Australia provides education and support for people with epilepsy, their families and community, and professional groups. These services promote self-management … View Profile

    If someone is having a seizure, don't panic. In almost all cases, the seizure will run its course and end on its own. It is very important to keep the person safe from injury and to watch them closely after the seizure. The severity of the seizure will depend on what is needed to be done. We recommend following these steps:
    DO

    • Remain calm
    • Stay with person
    • Time seizure
    • Protect from injury
    • Roll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if vomited
    • Maintain privacy and dignity
    • Observe and reassure until recovered
    DO NOT
    • Put anything in their mouth
    • Restrain the person
    • Move person unless in danger
    • Apply CPR
    Call an ambulance (000 in Australia) if:
    • You are in any doubt
    • You arrive after the seizure has started
    • The person is injured
    • Food or water is in the mouth during the seizure
    • The seizure has occurs in water
    • The seizure lasts longer than normal for that person
    • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
    • The person has not responded appropriately within 10-15 minutes
    • Another seizure follows quickly
    • The person has breathing difficulties after the jerking stops
    • It is the person’s first known seizure

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