Know what to do when someone on a bus, tram, train or taxi has an epileptic seizure
In support of Epilepsy Ireland, NTA wishes to remind industry members of the importance of knowing what to do when someone on a bus, tram, train or taxi has an epileptic seizure.
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
What a person should do in the event of someone having a seizure.
Epilepsy Ireland have developed three crucial words that should be remembered when it comes to seizure first aid, and they are:
TIME, SAFE, STAY.
TIME
- The first thing you should do is TIME the seizure. This is because if a seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, an ambulance should be called.
SAFE
Keep the person SAFE during the seizure. If a person is having a convulsive seizure, cushion their head with something soft if possible and remove any harmful objects, e.g. furniture from their vicinity. NEVER put anything in a person’s mouth or restrain them during a seizure.
- Be aware that there are also types of seizures where the person does not experience convulsions.
Instead, they may “zone out” or stare blankly, become confused or agitated, display behaviours like chewing, smacking their lips, fiddling with their clothes, or wandering aimlessly. In this type of seizure, the person’s awareness of their surroundings is affected, and it is important to gently guide the person away from any danger.
As with convulsive seizures, never restrict the person’s movements.
STAY
- During the seizure and after it passes, STAY with the person. Often after a seizure, a person with epilepsy will be confused and in many cases, exhausted. Make sure to stay with them until recovery is complete, explain what has happened and gently reassure them.
The person may have experienced an injury if they have fallen, and if this is the case, ensure normal first aid steps are taken.
Further information, including when to call an ambulance – is available here
