First Aid for Focal Seizures

Previously called complex partial seizures a focal seizure may cause a person to appear unresponsive and confused as their consciousness is impaired.

Automatic movements such as smacking of the lips, wandering, or fumbling movements of the hand may be present. He or she may display inappropriate behaviour that may be mistaken for alcohol/drug intoxication or psychiatric disturbance.

*In the event of a seizure follow instructions in the individual’s seizure care plan. However, if you do not know the person, or there is no care plan:

First Aid Measures

During a focal seizure you may need to gently guide the person past obstacles and away from dangerous places
As the seizure finishes, calmly talk with the person as they regain awareness and ask if they are OK
Reassure the person that they are safe and that you will stay with them while they recover

Call an ambulance – 000 – if:

The seizure activity lasts 5 or more minutes or a second seizure quickly follows
The person remains non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure stops
The person is having a greater number of seizures than is usual for them
The person is injured, goes blue in the face or has swallowed water
The person is pregnant
You know, or believe it to be, the person’s first seizure
You feel uncomfortable dealing with the seizure at the time

Download your Seizure First Aid Poster.

Information from the Epilepsy Australia webpage.