First Aid for an Epileptic Attack

Signs and symptoms of an Epileptic Attack:

  • Collapsing to the ground.
  • Crying out suddenly.
  • Blueish coloured skin.
  • Jerking movements or muscular spasms.
  • Frothing at the mouth.
  • Biting of the tongue.
  • Losing control of the bladder or bowel movements.

Steps to follow:

  1. Monitor Lifeline (DRABC)
  2. Protect the casualty during seizure
  3. Place patient in Recovery Position
  4. Manage any injuries
  5. Seek medical help

1. Monitor Lifeline

Follow DRABC. After an attack, if the patient loses consciousness, attempt to resuscitate. Monitor them closely until medical help arrives.

2. Protect the casualty during seizure

Move objects out of the way if a patient is suffering a seizure. Do not restrict their movement or hold them down. Do not place anything in their mouth or attempt to open their mouth during a seizure.

3. Place patient in Recovery Position

Place the patient in the recovery position as soon as the attack subsides.

The recovery position is lying down on a patients side with their head and neck supported by an extended arm or a firm pillow that does not block their airway.

The patients arm facing up from the ground should be rested gently in front of their chest, without blocking their airway.

The patients leg facing up from the ground should be bent at the knee and positioned down towards the ground to offer stability.

Do not leave a patient in the recovery position unattended.

If the patient falls asleep, do not disturb them, but monitor that they are breathing and they have a pulse until they awake.

3. Manage injuries

If the patient injures themselves during a seizure, administer First Aid and seek medical help. Continue to monitor the patient for signs of life until help arrives.

4. Seek medical help

If the patient is a known epileptic and on medication, and fully recovers after a seizure, encourage them to seek medical attention.

Do not leave them alone until they have fully recovered and leave the scene voluntarily without assistance.

Seek medical help urgently if:

  • The seizure lasts for more than five minutes
  • Another seizure follows the initial seizure
  • The patient has injured themselves during the seizure
  • The patient is diabetic

Call 1300 077 391 for a quote today. Ask about our obligation-free First Aid audit and get OH&S compliant.


 

2011 COMPLIANCE
GUIDE FOR FIRST AID

Comprehensive OH&S
guidelines for your State
or Territory

 
  

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Heartattackhelp.org.au?
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