Emergency Action Plan - Epileptic Episode

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Epileptic Episode During Transport

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS - If Client Shows Warning Signs

STEP 1: SECURE THE VEHICLE (30 seconds)

  • Pull over IMMEDIATELY to the safest location possible
  • Turn on hazard lights
  • Put vehicle in park and engage parking brake
  • Turn off engine
  • Move away from traffic if possible

STEP 2: PREPARE FOR SEIZURE

  • Stay calm and reassuring
  • Clear space around client
  • Remove any hard objects nearby
  • Have soft item ready (jacket, pillow, towel)
  • Start timing from first seizure sign

ACTIVE SEIZURE RESPONSE

DO IMMEDIATELY:

  1. TIME THE SEIZURE - Start stopwatch/timer
  2. PROTECT THE HEAD - Place soft item under client's head
  3. TURN TO SIDE - Gently turn client onto their side (recovery position)
  4. CLEAR AIRWAY - Ensure breathing passage is open
  5. STAY WITH CLIENT - Do not leave them alone
  6. OBSERVE & RECORD - Note seizure characteristics

NEVER DO:

  • ❌ Put anything in client's mouth
  • ❌ Hold down or restrain the client
  • ❌ Give food, water, or medication during seizure
  • ❌ Move client unless in immediate danger

CALL 000 IF:

  • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Client has difficulty breathing after seizure
  • Client is injured during seizure
  • This is their first known seizure
  • Client does not return to normal within 30 minutes
  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery between them
  • Client has diabetes, heart condition, or is pregnant

EMERGENCY CALL SCRIPT

"000, I need medical assistance. I have a passenger having a seizure."

Information to provide:

  • Location: [Your exact address/intersection]
  • "Passenger is having/had a seizure lasting [X] minutes"
  • Client's age and gender
  • Current condition: conscious/unconscious, breathing/not breathing
  • Any injuries observed
  • Known medical conditions

POST-SEIZURE CARE

STEP 1: MONITOR (First 5 minutes)

  • Check if client is breathing normally
  • Keep client on their side
  • Time how long confusion lasts
  • Speak calmly and reassuringly
  • Do not give food or water yet

STEP 2: COMFORT & ASSESS (5-30 minutes)

  • Help client sit up slowly when fully alert
  • Offer water only when completely conscious
  • Check for injuries
  • Allow time for confusion to clear
  • Stay with client until fully recovered

STEP 3: COMMUNICATION

  • Call client's emergency contact
  • Call agency supervisor
  • Notify client's healthcare provider if required
  • Do not continue trip until client is fully recovered
REMEMBER: STAY CALM • TIME THE SEIZURE • PROTECT THE CLIENT • CALL FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED

*Keep this action plan easily accessible in vehicle*