Practicing what to do when a seizure is witnessed can help set everyone's mind at ease. Set aside time for a 'seizure drill' - a time when you can practice what each person will do if a seizure occurs. Make first aid steps appropriate to each person's comfort level and age. Even young children can be taught to call '911' or push a button to call for help. Older children or adults may be able to give physical help, depending on what the person needs.

The person with seizures and their parents or caregivers should decide who to involve in seizure drills and how to do it. People who spend the most time with you and are most likely to be with you during a seizure should certainly be involved. Family or people you live with would be top on the list. However, you may also want to do this with school personnel, camp counselors, co-workers, or friends. Before having a seizure drill, make sure you are comfortable talking about your seizures and decide how much you want to disclose or tell others. This may be different, depending on whether you are doing this with family members as compared to school personnel or coworkers.

Just like fire drills, it helps to practice seizure drills on a regular basis. This allows time for you to update others on any changes in seizures and their treatment and adjust plans if needed.

• Practice what to do in a seizure drill.
• Make first aid steps appropriate to a person's age and comfort level.
• Teach others who to call for help.
• Adjust plans on a regular basis.

Continue to Tailoring First Aid Plans

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07