Úvod - Život s epilepsií - First Aid for Epileptic Seizures

First Aid for Epileptic Seizures

Knowing how to respond correctly to an epileptic seizure and provide help to someone experiencing it is valuable not only for the families and friends of people with epilepsy, but also for the general public.

Witnessing an epileptic seizure can occur not only in a home environment but also in public spaces or at work. A seizure may happen to someone who is aware of their diagnosis, but it can also be the person’s very first seizure.

The basic principles of first aid during an epileptic seizure are:

  1. stay calm and speak to the person reassuringly during and after the seizure
  2. ensure their safety – place something soft under their head and remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
  3. do not restrain their movements and do not place anything in their mouth
  4. loosen tight clothing around the neck and remove glasses if worn
  5. after convulsions subside, turn the person onto their side into the recovery position, make sure they are breathing, and stay with them until they regain full consciousness

If you witness someone experiencing a seizure in a public place, or if a close one experiences their first-ever seizure, call the emergency line 155 immediately. The emergency operator will instruct you on how to assist and will dispatch an ambulance.

If the seizure is a known event for a person with diagnosed epilepsy, it is not always necessary to call an ambulance. Instead, ensure they are in a calm and safe environment where they can rest.

Call an ambulance for a person with epilepsy if:

  • There is a cardiac or respiratory arrest during the seizure,
  • A serious injury occurs,
  • There is a cluster of seizures,
  • Or if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

During a seizure, excessive drooling, vomiting, urination, or loss of bowel control may occur. It is important to prioritize ensuring breathing and safety first, and only then focus on improving comfort.

Life with epilepsy