If a passenger has a seizure, would you know what to do?
“If I fall down, will you stand up?” is a question many people with epilepsy ask themselves everyday – and is the question being put to the public by Epilepsy Ireland as part of their new awareness campaign.
There are over 45,000 people living with epilepsy in Ireland – the problem is, too many of the wider public don’t know how to “stand up” and correctly respond to a seizure. Epilepsy Ireland would like you to remember three words to help you stand up – TIME, SAFE, STAY.
STAY! But what is the basis behind these three key words?
TIME
First, time the seizure. This is because if it goes over 5 minutes, you need to call an ambulance.
SAFE
Keep the person safe during their seizure. If they’re convulsing, remove any harmful objects from around them and cushion their head with something soft if possible. NEVER restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Be aware too that not all seizures are convulsive. The person can “zone out”, stare blankly, become confused or agitated and display behaviours like chewing, lip smacking, fiddling with their clothes, or wandering aimlessly. Unfortunately, this type of seizure can often be mistaken for intoxication or substance abuse. It also affects the person’s awareness of their surroundings, so keep them safe by gently guiding them away from any potential danger – but never by restraining them or restricting their movements.
STAY
After a seizure, the person can be confused and exhausted. So, stay with them during and after, until they are completely recovered. Explain what has happened and gently reassure them. If they’ve fallen and sustained an injury, apply normal first aid.
There are instances where an ambulance should be called in response to a seizure – these include:
- If someone has a seizure, they briefly recover, then go into another seizure
- If the person is physically injured (eg. from a fall associated with a seizure)
- If the person is pregnant
- If you know it’s their first seizure, or you’re not sure whether they have epilepsy or not.
Many people with epilepsy carry a bracelet or card. However, if you’re in any doubt, call an ambulance. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EPILEPSY
To learn more about Time, Safe, Stay, seizure first aid and to download detailed first aid posters which you can print and keep in your vehicle, visit Epilepsy Ireland’s website. You can also contact Epilepsy Ireland’s team of Community Resource Officers, who assist people with epilepsy, their families and the wider community with information and support around Epilepsy. Their details can also be found by visiting the Epilepsy Ireland website.
I’m Paul Guy. I’m a Marketing Director. Like 45,000 people in Ireland, I have epilepsy.
If anyone like me has a seizure near you, time it, stay with them and keep them safe.
To find out more about epilepsy, visit www.epilepsy.ie
I’m Lucy Prevo. I’m a film student. Like 45,000 people in Ireland, I have epilepsy.
If anyone like me has a seizure near you, time it, stay with them and keep them safe.
To find out more about epilepsy, visit www.epilepsy.ie