Seizure First Aid Facilitator Guide
Seizure First Aid Essentials
Instructor Facilitation Guide
Duration 30 MINS
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify and demonstrate the essential first aid steps to safely assist an individual experiencing a seizure, emphasizing safety, timing, and post-seizure care.
Why This Matters
"This lesson equips students with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, promoting safety and empathy. Knowing how to stay calm and take the right actions can prevent injury and provide critical support."
Materials
- Whiteboard & markers
- Role-play scenario cards
- Discussion guides
- First Aid Steps Worksheet
- Stopwatch or timer
Lesson Procedure
1. Introduction to Seizures
5 MINS
- Define a seizure (briefly): a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
- Note common causes: epilepsy, high fever, head injury, or low blood sugar.
- Hook: Ask if anyone has ever seen a seizure. Emphasize that while they look scary, they are a medical event where the best help is a calm bystander.
2. Demonstration of First Aid Steps
10 MINS
Model the "Stay, Safe, Side" protocol:
- STAY: Stay calm and time the seizure with a watch or phone.
- SAFE: Ensure the area is safe. Remove sharp objects. Gently guide them to the floor if standing.
- SOFT: Place something soft (jacket, folded shirt) under their head.
- STAY AWAY: Do not restrain movements. Do not put anything in their mouth.
- SIDE: Once the shaking stops, roll the person onto their side (recovery position).
3. Role-Playing Exercise
10 MINS
- Divide students into groups of 3 (Person having seizure, Responder, Observer/Timer).
- Distribute scenario cards (Hallway, Cafeteria, Classroom).
- Students practice the "Stay, Safe, Side" steps.
- Rotate roles so every student practices being the Responder.
4. Discussion and Reflection
5 MINS
- Discuss: How did it feel to be the responder? What was the hardest part?
- Reinforce: Why is staying calm the most important first step?
- Hand out worksheets for individual wrap-up.
First Aid Discussion Sheet
Class Discussion
Seizure First Aid Essentials
Name:
Date:
Reflecting on the Experience
Use this sheet to record your thoughts during our class discussion. Think back to the role-playing exercise and the steps we practiced.
1. Why is it important to stay calm during a seizure?
Consider how staying calm helps in making rational decisions and providing effective aid.
2. What challenges might you face when assisting someone having a seizure?
Think about emotional responses, bystander reactions, and ensuring immediate safety.
Action Reminder
If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services (911) immediately.
Seizure First Aid Steps Worksheet
Seizure First Aid Steps
Emergency Response Practice
Name
Date
Knowledge Check
Demonstrating these steps correctly can prevent injury. Use the space below to outline the essential actions to take before, during, and after a seizure.
1
List the first aid steps to take when someone is having a seizure.
Consider safety precautions, timing the event, and care once the seizure ends.
2
Why should you NOT restrain someone during a seizure?
Think about the person's physical safety and the involuntary nature of muscle movements.
Essential Protocol Reminder
STAY Calm & Time It
SAFE Clear the Area
SIDE Recovery Position
First Aid Scenario Cards
Role-Play Scenarios
Seizure First Aid Practice
Group Activity
Scenario A: The Cafeteria
Difficulty: Basic
Context: You are sitting at a crowded table during lunch. Suddenly, the person sitting next to you starts to stare blankly, drops their fork, and then begins to have a tonic-clonic seizure (convulsions) and slides off their chair.
Responder Task
Clear trays/chairs away and protect their head.
Bystander Task
Manage the crowd and help time the event.
Scenario B: The Hallway
Difficulty: Intermediate
Context: Between classes, a student is leaning against a locker. They suddenly collapse and start shaking. The hallway is full of students rushing to their next period, and some people are starting to film with their phones.
Responder Task
Secure the area and advocate for the person's privacy.
Bystander Task
Tell people to stop filming and clear the path.
Scenario C: Outdoor PE
Difficulty: Advanced
Context: During a soccer game on the field, a teammate stops running, looks confused, and then falls. The ground is hard and there are several other players nearby. After about 3 minutes, the shaking hasn't stopped.
Responder Task
Guide them down, use a jersey for their head, and call 911.
Bystander Task
Go find the PE teacher and get the medical kit.
Instructors: Cut along the dotted lines if separating scenarios.
