Health

March is Epilepsy awareness month

• Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that affects 2 in every 100 people.
• In WA, about 20,000 people have epilepsy, and 1,400 new diagnoses are made each year.
• With treatment, epilepsy is manageable, and people can live normal lives.

First aid for seizures

During a seizure

• DO NOT restrain or try to stop the jerking
• DO NOT put anything in their mouth
• DO NOT move the person unless they are in danger

1. Follow DRSABCD
2. Protect the patient from injury without restricting their movement
3. After the seizure, place the patient in the recovery position as soon as possible.
4. Manage any injuries resulting from the seizure
5. Do not disturb the patient if they fall asleep, but monitor
6. Seek medical aid if;
   1. The seizure has lasted longer than 5 minutes
   2. The patient is pregnant or has diabetes
   3. They have never had a seizure before
   4. Another seizure quickly follows

Where to get help

• the care plan will tell you who to contact for non-urgent care.
• If you have severe symptoms, always dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance in a medical emergency.
• See your doctor.
• Ring healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Judy Buckley

College Nurse

medical.centre@johnxxiii.edu.au