What are some main points for a seizure action plan?

[skyfire322]

I just started a new job, and at the interview (and on my first day) I made my employer aware of my epilepsy. Since there are so many who immediately call 911 as soon as they see someone have a seizure, I was curious what do you put on your action plan, if you have one? I checked ones at the Epilepsy Foundation site, but it seems so long so I want to keep it short and sweet.

Mine looks like this as of right now. I guess I'm wondering most about how long a seizure should last before calling the ambulance... I've heard 3 minutes, 5 minutes, all the way up to 10 minutes (which I think is too long).

1.) DON'T PANIC and begin timing.
2.) Roll me on my side, and make sure I don't hit my head.
3.) Keep asking questions and make sure I'm responsive.
4.) If longer than 3 minutes and unresponsive, call 911.
5.) If less than 3 minutes, take me to a quiet room afterwards.

 

[Nakamova]

Below is a good basic set of instructions (probably similar to the Epilepsy Foundation one), but yours has good details specific to how you want your situation handled.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURE:
The person goes stiff, loses consciousness and then falls to the ground. This is followed by jerking movements. A blue tinge around the mouth is likely (and normal -- this is due to irregular breathing.) Loss of bladder and/or bowel control may happen. After a minute or two the jerking movements should stop and consciousness may slowly return.

DO:
-- Protect the person from injury - (remove harmful objects from nearby)
-- Cushion their head
-- Aid breathing by gently placing them on their side once the seizure has finished
-- Stay with the person until recovery is complete
-- Let the person know what has happened, and reassure them

DON'T:
-- Restrain the person’s movements
-- Put anything in the person’s mouth
-- Try to move them unless they are in danger
-- Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
-- Attempt to bring them round

CALL AN AMBULANCE IF:
-- You know it is the person’s first seizure
-- The seizure continues for more than five minutes
-- One tonic-clonic seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness between seizures
-- The person is injured during the seizure
-- You believe the person needs urgent medical attention

 

[skyfire322]

Thanks! I had to explain a couple things to the team, but everyone seems to understand what to do. I couldn't stress enough the "Don't panic" and the timing enough.

 

[seetseet]

Youre both great (and I genuinely mean it) I wish I was as brave as you to be able to explain and write all this down especially at a work place,
Best of luck with the new job too