First Aid Treatment For Seizures and Febril Convulsions

Important Information
• Seizures or convulsions may result from epilepsy, heat stroke, poisoning, hypoglycemia, high fever in children, brain injury, stroke or electric shock
• Treat a seizure as a medical emergency when the patient does not have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes, has a series of seizures or there are associated injuries and illnesses that require care; Follow primary care procedures

Patient Care for Seizures
STOP - Assess and observe the scene; Does the patient have a seizure disorder?
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan; Are there harmful objects near to the patient?
ACT - Check responsiveness, look for a medical alert tag and Alert EMS
During the seizure, attempt to protect and cushion the patient's head and move objects out of the way but do not restrain the patient
After a seizure, conduct your primary assessment and place a breathing patient in the recovery position
For a patient with a seizure disorder, support and reassure the patient until they are recovered
For a patient with no history of seizures or if the patient is injured, continue to monitor the patient's Cycle of Care until EMS arrives

Patient Care for Febril Convulsions
Important Information
• A Febrile Convulsion is a common medical condition; Approximately three percent of children aged 6 months to 6 years have a febril convulsion when they have a fever or high temperature
• The Febrile Convulsion happens when the normal brain activity is disturbed
• The convulsion can occur without warning
• During the convulsion, the child may become stiff or floppy, become unconscious or unaware of their surroundings, display jerking or twitching, or have difficulty breathing

STOP - Assess and observe the scene; Does the child have a fever or high temperature?
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan; Are there harmful objects near to the child?
ACT - Check the child's responsiveness and if the convulsion becomes progressively worse, call EMS. During the convulsion stay calm and do not try to restrain the child or put anything in their mouth. Stay with the child and lay them down on their side. Loosen tight clothing from around the neck and move objects away that might cause them harm. Arrange to see your local doctor or general practitioner after the convulsion has stopped.

First Aid Advice & Information for a Seizures and Convulsions is for guidance only - Click Here to get Trained in CPR & First Aid