What should you know about seizure first aid?

A person may stiffen, jerk, stare, become unresponsive, make repeated movements, or behave unusually. Convulsions are only one possible pattern. They may be confused, sleepy, or have a headache afterward. Stay calm and notice the start time, movements, breathing, responsiveness, and recovery.

Move hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and remove glasses. Do not hold the person down, give food or drink, or put fingers, a spoon, or medicine in the mouth. When jerking stops, turn the person onto their side if they are breathing and stay with them until awareness returns. Only use prescribed rescue medicine if a trained person has clear instructions.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, an event lasting longer than usual, repeated seizures without recovery, serious injury, pregnancy, breathing that stays difficult, or a seizure in water. Urgent help is also needed with fever, stiff neck, severe headache, or unusual confusion, which can occur with Meningitis. If diabetes is present, low glucose or Hypoglycaemia must be considered.

Ask what first aid your household should follow, when to call emergency services, and whether a rescue plan is needed. Ask how to record events and what recovery symptoms should prompt review.