Seizure First Aid

Dear Faculty and Staff:

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share an important resource and ask for your support in making our campus safer and more prepared for medical emergencies, specifically seizures. Seizures are more common than many realize. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 people may experience a seizure during their lifetime. As faculty and staff, we are often in the best position to respond quickly and safely when a student or colleague has a seizure and your actions can make all the difference.

What You Can Do:

Please take a few minutes to watch this short video. It highlights how to provide effective seizure first aid and demonstrates simple, practical steps anyone can take.

Michael’s Basketball Team Learns Seizure First Aid

Here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. Stay calm and stay with the person.
   • Start timing the seizure – note when it begins and when it ends.

2. Ensure safety
   • Move dangerous or hard objects out of the way.
   • If possible, gently turn the person onto their side (recovery position) to help keep their airway clear.

3. Do not restrain or hold the person down.
   • This can cause injury. Let the seizure run its course.

4. Do not put anything in their mouth.
   
   
5. When to call University Police or 911:
   
   • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
   • A second seizure starts soon after the first.
   • The person does not regain consciousness or is having trouble breathing.
   • It is their first seizure; they are pregnant or have another known serious condition.

If you are interested in more in-depth training, The Epilepsy Foundation offers free on-demand training resources.  

Thank you for helping us build a Seizure-Smart campus. Your readiness could help save a life.

Ronald Jackson, EdD
Vice President for Student Affairs