How To Help Someone with Epilepsy

ACTION - First aid for tonic-clonic seizures

The person goes stiff, loses consciousness, falls to the floor and begins to jerk or convulse. They may look a little blue around their mouth from irregular breathing. Tonic-clonic seizures can last a few minutes.

Remember ACTION for tonic-clonic seizures:

A	Assess Assess the situation – are they in danger of injuring themselves? Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
C	CushionCushion their head (with a jumper, for example) to protect them from head injury
T	Time Check the time – if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes you should call an ambulance
I	IdentityLook for a medical bracelet or ID card – it may give you information about the person’s seizures and what to do
O	OverOnce the seizure is over, put them on their side (in the recovery position). Stay with them and reassure them as they come round
N	NeverNever restrain the person, put something in their mouth or try to give them food or drink

Call an ambulance if:

• You know it is a person’s first seizure, or
• The seizure lasts for more than five minutes, or
• One seizure appears to follow another without the person gaining consciousness in between, or
• The person is injured, or
• You believe the person needs urgent medical attention