Seizures
Seizures in children
Seizures can occur in children for a number of different reasons. This article will focus on the first aid management of seizures. It will outline the basic steps you need to carry out in order to protect the child from coming to harm. Some children have a tendency to have seizures and are therefore known as “epileptic’, others may have a seizure for the very first time. Sometimes people will have a medical alert bracelet or carry a card with information about underlying medical problems
When should you call an ambulance?
- When someone has a seizure for the first time
- If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- The patient has a series of seizures without regaining consciousness
What should you do if a child has a seizure?
If you encounter a child having a seizure, follow the steps below:
- Try to comfort them; ensure they are not hurting themselves
- Move them away from anything that might harm them
- Cushion their head if they are on the ground
- Loosen any tight clothing, especially around their neck
- Turn them on their side when the convulsions stop
- Stay with them and talk to them calmly
- Try to record how long the seizure lasts and video if possible as this will aid the diagnosis
- Do not put anything in their mouth
Being prepared
The Children’s e-Hospital has developed a first aid kit specifically with children in mind. This kit has over 50 parts and also includes flash cards to assist you in the event of having to deal with a choking child and other resuscitation situations
