A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is a personalized, written document providing standardized, accessible guidance for managing a seizure event. It serves as an immediate reference for the individual, family members, caregivers, school staff, or co-workers who may be present. The plan outlines specific steps for first aid and when to seek emergency medical services, ensuring a consistent and informed response.
Purpose and Scope of a Seizure Action Plan
A Seizure Action Plan is necessary because seizures are often unpredictable and can be frightening. The plan’s primary benefit is reducing panic in a high-stress situation by replacing uncertainty with a clear, pre-determined protocol. It ensures consistency of care, which is important when an individual moves between different settings like home, school, or work.
The plan covers both routine seizure management and emergency protocols, clarifying the distinction between a typical seizure and a medical emergency. Following the plan reduces the time to action, decreasing the risk of prolonged seizures, injury, or unnecessary trips to the emergency room. It provides necessary information in one place, allowing first responders or unfamiliar caregivers to act swiftly.
Key Sections Required in the Plan
Personal Information and Diagnosis
The plan must begin with foundational information, including the patient’s full name, date of birth, and current weight, since medication dosages are often weight-dependent. It should clearly state the specific epilepsy diagnosis, any known drug allergies, and contact details for the treating neurologist or physician. Emergency contact names and phone numbers must also be listed for immediate notification.
Seizure Identification
A detailed description of the individual’s typical seizure types is necessary, including both the clinical term and a simple layperson’s term for clarity. This section should outline the duration of usual seizures, commonly lasting between one and three minutes, and their frequency. It must also describe the seizure’s appearance—such as staring, lip-smacking, or full-body convulsions—and any known warning signs or triggers.
Routine Medication Details
A complete list of all daily maintenance medications is required. This includes the drug name, the exact dosage, and the specific times it is taken throughout the day. Listing these details helps emergency personnel avoid giving conflicting medication, ensuring continuity of treatment.
Rescue Medication Protocols
This distinct section outlines the use of fast-acting benzodiazepines, often called rescue medications. The protocol specifies the exact medication name, the prescribed dosage, and the method of administration, such as intranasal spray or rectal gel. It must also provide the precise trigger for administration, such as when a seizure lasts longer than a specified time (commonly five minutes) or when a cluster of seizures occurs.
Emergency Instructions
Clear, non-negotiable criteria for calling 911 or emergency medical services (EMS) must be outlined. A seizure lasting five minutes or longer is a standard trigger for an emergency call, as is having repeated seizures without regaining consciousness. Other criteria include difficulty breathing after the seizure, a significant injury during the event, or if the person is pregnant or has diabetes. The plan should also list the preferred transport location, such as a specific hospital.
Putting the Plan into Action
The creation of a Seizure Action Plan requires collaboration with the healthcare team. It is not valid until reviewed and signed by the treating physician or neurologist. This signature confirms that the emergency instructions and medication protocols align with the patient’s current medical needs. The plan is a medical directive, and the physician’s endorsement gives caregivers the confidence and authority to follow its steps.
Once finalized, the plan must be actively distributed to everyone who may be in a position to help. This distribution list includes the school nurse, classroom teachers, coaches, employers, and regular caregivers. A copy should also be kept readily accessible with the individual, such as in a backpack or wallet, for immediate access by first responders.
Distribution alone is not enough; all relevant parties need to be trained to understand their specific roles. Training ensures that caregivers know how to administer any prescribed rescue medication and recognize the signs that warrant a 911 call. Running a seizure drill helps solidify confidence and reaction time during an emergency.
Updating and Maintaining the Plan
The Seizure Action Plan is a living document, requiring regular review to ensure all information remains current and accurate. It should be updated at least annually, even if there have been no changes in seizure activity or treatment. This routine check ensures that contact information and physician details are correct.
The plan must be revised immediately whenever there is a change in the individual’s medical status. Triggers for an update include changes to the daily medication regimen, a shift in the pattern or frequency of seizures, or the introduction of a new seizure type. For pediatric patients, a significant change in body weight necessitates an update, as rescue medication dosages are weight-based.