First Aid for Seizures

A seizure disorder is a neurological condition that from time to time produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. These unusual bursts of energy may occur in just one area of the brain (partial seizures), or may affect nerve cells throughout the brain (generalized seizures). Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts subside, and they may affect a person's consciousness, bodily movements or sensations for a short time.

Should someone have a seizure in one of your classes, please note the following instructions:

• Cushion the person's head;
• Loosen tight neckware;
• Turn the person on his/her side;
• Place nothing in the mouth;
• Look for identification of epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
• Allow the person to lie without restraint;
• Allow the person to become reoriented and offer help as the seizure ends.

Although most seizures end naturally without emergency treatment, a seizure in someone who does not have epilepsy could be a sign of serious illness. Call for medical assistance if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes;
• There is no "epilepsy/seizure disorder" I.D.;
• Recovery is slow, there is a second seizure, or breathing is difficult afterwards;
• The person is pregnant or has another medical condition;
• There are any signs of injury.