Seizures and Epilepsy: What You'll Learn In A First Aid Course

Individuals struggling with seizures and epilepsy often experience sudden electrical disturbances in the brain, which cause changes in behaviour or even consciousness. A neurological disorder which is characterised by recurring seizures is known as chronic epilepsy. The knowledge and in-person training from a first aid course can enable individuals to help those experiencing these events.

Most people lack any knowledge or awareness of seizures and how to respond safely when the situation occurs. A first aid course teaches essential skills for managing seizure events confidently. Knowing what to do and what not to do is critical for caregivers and bystanders. In this article, we will provide clear guidance to help you act effectively in seizure emergencies.

Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy: Basics Of A First Aid Course
Seizures are a result of abnormal electrical activity disrupting brain function. There are two types, which include tonic-clonic (convulsive) and absence, which is a brief lapse in awareness. Epilepsy is when individuals experience repeated seizures without any immediate cause. These seizures can last from seconds to minutes and vary in severity.

Some individuals will experience sensory warnings before the seizure occurs. Seizures are often triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, flashing lights and other illnesses. If you recognise these symptoms, you'll be able to help in a timely and appropriate manner. Before we can look at what a first aid course for seizures entails, we have to understand what a seizure is and how they affect the body.

What is a Seizure?
As mentioned, a seizure is an uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Nerve cells, also called neurons, communicate through chemical and electrical signals. This results in normal thoughts, feelings and actions. These signals control every aspect of our bodies, like moving our arms and legs. Neurons that fire at once in an uncontrolled manner create a surge of electrical activity, which is called a seizure. It affects the awareness of the individuals, their movements, sensations and behaviour.

Individuals can experience generalised seizures, which involve the whole brain, while focal seizures only affect part of the brain. If individuals are experiencing convulsive seizures, they'll experience muscle jerking and loss of consciousness. Non-convulsive seizures may cause staring or brief confusion. Seizures usually last 1 to 3 minutes but can be longer. Understanding seizure types aids in providing correct first aid.

Common Triggers and Symptoms
There are multiple causes and triggers for seizures. Individuals can be triggered when they experience high amounts of stress, fatigue, flashing lights and sometimes infections. Symptoms of seizures can vary from convulsions, muscle stiffness, to staring spells and loss of awareness. Some people might experience a warning in the form of seeing an aura. After seizures, individuals often feel confused or tired.

These seizures can occur without warning, even in people without epilepsy. Identifying triggers helps in managing and preventing seizures, and awareness of symptoms improves safety during an episode. These are often traumatic experiences for individuals, and without care or help, serious injury can occur during these spells.

A First Aid Course For Seizures: What To Do And What Not To Do
The first, and considered by many the most important, is staying calm when the event occurs. By staying calm, you can provide effective help. The person in seizure has no control over their behaviour during the event; protect the person from injury by clearing the immediate area of obstacles that can cause harm. The person will experience body jerks, which can lead to head trauma, and cushion their head to prevent head injury.

Timing the seizure will help you to decide if emergency services are needed. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if it's the first seizure. The person should be turned onto their side after convulsions to keep their airway clear. It's crucial to stay with the person until they have fully recovered.

Essential Steps In First Aid Course For Seizures
Remain calm during the event and reassure others around you to prevent panic. Secondly, move any objects away to prevent the person in seizure from being injured. Cushion the person's head with a soft item like a pillow or jacket, and roll them gently onto their side once the convulsions have stopped.

If the person having a seizure has tight clothing around the neck, like a tie, loosen the clothing. The seizure should be monitored carefully for its entire duration to determine if emergency services should be called.

Stay with the person and offer comfort as they regain consciousness. Seizures are traumatic events for the individuals experiencing them, and they will be disoriented after gaining consciousness again. Now that we have discussed the important steps you should follow when present or witnessing persons in seizure, let's look at what not to do.

What Not To Do During A Seizure
There are a few considerations and actions which should be avoided when helping a person having a seizure. During the event, the person's body will convulse and jerk; it is crucial not to restrain or hold the person down while this is occurring. Secondly, you should never place anything in the person's mouth.

This could cause choking and obstruct the airways. Thirdly, avoid giving medications or food until the person has fully regained consciousness. Do not move the person unless the person is in immediate danger. A first aid course will teach individuals to refrain from performing CPR unless the individual is unresponsive and not breathing. Avoid crowding by keeping bystanders calm and at a distance. Lastly, never leave the person alone until they have fully recovered.

EMCARE: Make A Difference With A First Aid Course

A proper first aid course from a reputable and certified provider like EMCARE can save lives and prevent injury. Understanding what to do and what not to do is vital for the safety of the persons experiencing seizures. First aid training provides the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during the events.

Everyone should learn seizure first aid, especially caregivers and workplace first aiders. Avoid harmful actions such as restraint or putting objects in the mouth, and keep the airways open. Staying calm and supportive will help the person through the seizure episode. Seizures are traumatic experiences for the people experiencing them. At EMCARE, we offer a comprehensive first aid course to equip you with the essential skills necessary to help individuals experiencing seizures.