Seizure First Aid for Families: Nurse-Guided Safety Protocol

When a family member has a seizure, calm, structured action prevents injury and ensures timely care.

During Seizure

1. Stay; time it.
2. Clear space — remove sharp/hot objects.
3. Cushion head (folded towel, pillow).
4. Do NOT restrain or put anything in mouth.
5. Turn onto side (recovery position) — allows drainage.
6. Loosen collar/tie.

After Seizure

• Keep on side; monitor breathing/color.
• Speak calmly; orient ("You had a seizure, you're safe now").
• Do not offer food/drink until fully alert (swallowing risk).
• Check for injury (tongue bite, fall trauma).

Call 911 If:

• Seizure >5 min (status epilepticus).
• Second seizure without full recovery.
• First-ever seizure.
• Injury, pregnancy, diabetes, water-related.
• Breathing difficulty persists.

Seizure Action Plan (For Known Epilepsy)

• Rescue medication (buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam, intranasal midazolam) — when to give, dose, route.
• Triggers to avoid (sleep deprivation, alcohol, flashing lights, missed meds).
• Neurologist contact, preferred hospital.
• School/work copies.

Post-seizure: schedule neurology follow-up; video next event if possible — invaluable for diagnosis.