A seizure in a student can be alarming, yet most are manageable with basic, calm intervention. Knowing the correct immediate steps is fundamental to protecting the student from injury and ensuring a smooth recovery. This information provides clear guidance for staff and bystanders in a school environment.
Immediate Safety Measures During a Seizure
The first priority during a seizure is to prevent injury to the student. Remain calm and immediately begin timing the duration of the seizure, as this information is important for decision-making. Clear the immediate area of any hard or sharp objects the student might strike.
Gently ease the student to the floor if they are standing or sitting, and place something soft and flat, like a folded jacket or towel, under their head. This cushions the head and helps prevent trauma. Avoid trying to hold the student down or stop the seizure movements, as restraining them can cause musculoskeletal injury.
Loosen any restrictive clothing around the student’s neck, such as a collar, tie, or scarf, to aid in breathing. Never attempt to put anything into the student’s mouth, as this can cause severe damage to the teeth, jaw, or gums. The primary goal during this active phase is simply to protect the student from harm until the seizure runs its course.
Post-Seizure Care and Observation
Once the physical movements of the seizure have ceased, the focus shifts to maintaining a clear airway and observation. The student should be gently turned onto their side into the recovery position, with the mouth pointed slightly downward, to allow any saliva or vomit to drain and prevent aspiration. Check the student’s breathing; it usually resumes normally once the convulsive phase ends.
The period immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure is known as the post-ictal state, characterized by confusion, drowsiness, and disorientation. The student may feel tired, agitated, or unaware of their surroundings, and this state can last from a few minutes to hours. Remain with the student until they are fully conscious, aware of where they are, and can communicate clearly.
Speak in a calm, reassuring voice as the student begins to regain awareness, explaining what happened simply. Do not offer food or water until the student is completely alert and oriented, as there is a risk of choking. Allow the student time to rest or sleep, as they may be extremely fatigued.
Criteria for Calling Emergency Services
Most seizures stop within a few minutes and do not require a call to emergency services, but specific criteria indicate a medical emergency. The most important factor is the duration of the seizure: if the active seizure lasts longer than five minutes, call 911 immediately. Seizures lasting beyond five minutes risk progressing to a dangerous condition known as status epilepticus.
Emergency services should also be contacted if the student has difficulty breathing or fails to resume normal breathing after the seizure movements have stopped. Call 911 if the student sustains a significant injury during the seizure, such as a head trauma, or if the seizure occurred while the student was in water. Emergency medical transport is necessary if this is the student’s first known seizure, or if they have another seizure soon after the first without fully recovering consciousness.
School Reporting and Seizure Action Plans
Following the immediate medical response, administrative steps ensure continuity of care. Document the event accurately, noting the exact time the seizure began and ended, the type of movements observed, and the student’s condition during the post-ictal phase. This detailed record is invaluable for the student’s medical team and the school nurse.
Locating and referencing the student’s specific Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is a fundamental step in the school setting, as it outlines individualized care, including when to administer rescue medication. The SAP also contains specific instructions from the student’s physician and contact information for parents or guardians, who should be notified promptly after the event. The school nurse or designated staff member typically manages this documentation and communication.