Epilepsy Ireland appeals to Leitrim communities to learn seizure first aid

As International Epilepsy Day 2025 approaches on February 10, Epilepsy Ireland is urging the people of Leitrim to understand Seizure First Aid by focusing on three key words: TIME, SAFE, STAY.

“With an estimated 310 people living with epilepsy in Leitrim, knowing how to correctly respond to a seizure is important,” said Paddy McGeoghan, Epilepsy Ireland Advocacy and Communications Manager.

“Every moment counts when someone is experiencing a seizure and the words TIME, SAFE, STAY serve as a clear and memorable guide. 

“Our new campaign for International Epilepsy Day highlights how seizure first aid becomes clear when you know these three words and the background to them.”

Epilepsy Ireland advises that the first step is to time the seizure. If the seizure lasts over five minutes, an ambulance should be called.

Next, it’s important to keep the person safe during the seizure. 

If it’s a convulsive seizure, cushion their head with something soft and remove any potential hazards such as furniture away from them. Never place anything in a person's mouth or attempt to restrain their movements.

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During and after the seizure, stay with the person. After a seizure, the individual may be confused and exhausted. It’s important to stay with them until recovery is complete, explain what has happened and gently reassure them. The person may have experienced an injury if they have fallen, so, ensure normal first aid steps are taken.

There are also types of seizures where the person does not experience convulsions. Instead, they seem to “zone out,” stare blankly, become confused or agitated, or display behaviours like chewing, smacking their lips, fidgeting with their clothes, or aimless wandering.

In these cases, the person’s awareness of their surroundings is affected, so gently guide the person away from any danger but never restrict the person’s movements.

In addition to calling an ambulance if a seizure lasts more than five minutes, you should also call for help if:

• The person briefly comes out of a seizure and experiences another.
• You know it’s the person’s first seizure.
• The person is physically injured, for example, if they have taken a heavy fall.
• The person is pregnant.
• Call an ambulance if you’re in doubt about what to do - this is most important.

Epilepsy Ireland assures no one will be annoyed at you for calling an ambulance out of real concern; not the person who’s having the seizure and not the ambulance crew.

For more details on TIME, SAFE, STAY, International Epilepsy Day, epilepsy and Epilepsy Ireland, click here

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