Emergency Management of Epileptic Seizures

Although most epileptic seizures are brief and self-limiting, they can still pose potential danger. It is therefore crucial to recognise the signs and symptoms of a seizure.

If you witness someone experiencing a seizure, please follow these first-aid steps:

• Protect the Patient and Prevent Injury

• Do not attempt to restrain or hold down the patient’s body.

• Gently turn the patient onto their side (recovery position) to prevent vomit or secretions from entering the lungs or obstructing the airway, ensuring they can breathe safely.

• Do not place any objects in the patient’s mouth.

• Observe and record the duration and characteristics of the seizure.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention or Call Emergency Services If:

  • This is the patient’s first-ever seizure.

  • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or there are repeated seizures without full recovery of consciousness between episodes (status epilepticus).

  • The patient is injured or sustains significant trauma during the seizure.

  • The patient experiences breathing difficulties, excessive frothing at the mouth, or severe impairment of consciousness during or after the seizure.

  • The patient is pregnant.

  • The patient fails to regain consciousness or remains unresponsive or in a coma-like state following multiple seizures.