Emergency Action Plan
Epileptic Episode During Transport — Driver Reference Guide
Immediate Actions — Warning Signs Observed
Secure the Vehicle
Within 30 seconds- Pull over immediately to the safest available location
- Turn on hazard lights
- Put vehicle in park and engage the parking brake
- Turn off the engine
- Move away from traffic if possible
Prepare for Seizure
- Stay calm and reassuring
- Clear space around the client — remove any hard objects nearby
- Have a soft item ready — jacket, pillow, or towel
- Start timing from the first sign of seizure
Active Seizure Response
Time the Seizure
- Start a stopwatch or phone timer immediately
- Note the time seizure began
- Record seizure characteristics — movements, duration, side affected
Protect the Client
- Place a soft item under client's head
- Gently turn client onto their side (recovery position)
- Ensure breathing passage is open and clear
- Stay with the client — do not leave them alone
Do's & Don'ts During a Seizure
✅ Always Do
- ✓Time the seizure from first sign
- ✓Protect the head with something soft
- ✓Turn client on their side — recovery position
- ✓Clear airway — ensure breathing passage is open
- ✓Stay with the client at all times
- ✓Observe and record seizure characteristics
- ✓Call 000 if any critical criteria are met
- ✓Speak calmly and reassuringly throughout
❌ Never Do
- ✗Put anything in the client's mouth
- ✗Hold down or restrain the client
- ✗Give food, water, or medication during a seizure
- ✗Move the client unless in immediate danger
- ✗Leave the client alone at any time
- ✗Continue the trip until client is fully recovered
- ✗Assume the seizure will stop — watch the time carefully
🚨 Call 000 Immediately If:
Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
Difficulty breathing after the seizure
Client is injured during the seizure
First known seizure for this client
Multiple seizures without recovery between them
Does not return to normal within 30 minutes
Client has diabetes, heart condition, or is pregnant
You are unsure or concerned for any reason
What to Say When You Call 000
"000, I need medical assistance. I have a passenger having a seizure."
Your exact locationProvide your address or nearest intersection — check Google Maps if unsure
Duration of seizure"The seizure has been going for approximately [X] minutes"
Client detailsAge and gender of the passenger
Current conditionConscious or unconscious · Breathing or not breathing
Any injuries observedDescribe what you can see
Known medical conditionsShare any information you have from the client's file
Post-Seizure Care
Once the seizure has stopped, follow these steps in order.
Monitor
First 5 minutes- Check 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
Comfort & Assess
5–30 minutes- Help client sit up slowly when fully alert
- Offer water only when completely conscious
- Check for any injuries
- Allow time for confusion to clear
- Stay with client until fully recovered
Communication
As soon as safe to do so- Call client's emergency contact
- Call Drivision operations: 1300 374 847
- Notify client's healthcare provider if required
- Do not continue trip until client is fully recovered
- Complete incident report