Epilepsy Australia

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• Seizure First Aid
• Wheel Chair First Aid

Wheel Chair First Aid

If someone starts to have a seizure while confined in a wheelchair, seated on a bus, train or tram or strapped in a pram or stroller:

DO

• Protect the person by preventing them from falling if there is no seat belt.
• Make sure the wheelchair or the stroller is secure.
• Protect the person by supporting their head. Something soft under the head will help if there is no moulded headrest.
• Check whether you need to move any hard objects that might hurt arms and legs in particular.
• Consciousness usually returns within a few minutes.
• Reassure the person and tell them what has happened.

NOTE: When the seizure has finished you need to ensure their airway is clear. This may involve removing food or vomit from their mouth and supporting their head to maintain a clear airway. It may or may not be appropriate to remove the person from the chair at the end of the seizure. This will depend on your assessment of the safety issues involved both for you and them.

DO NOT

• Try to stop the seizure.
• Put anything in the persons mouth.
• Try to remove them from their position in most cases the seat provides some support.

Call an ambulance 000 if:

• The seizure activity lasts 5 or more minutes or a second seizure quickly follows.
• The person is not conscious within 5 minutes of the seizure stopping.
• The person is injured.
• The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
• You know, or believe it to be, the person's first seizure.
• You are in doubt.

Epilepsy Australia National Help Line 1300 852 8653