What is SUDEP

First aid for epilepsy

What is SUDEP

First aid for epilepsy

Seizures are unpredictable and it’s not possible to know when they will happen.

Ten per cent of people will have a seizure at some point in their life so it’s useful to know what to do if you see this happening. If safe to do so, check if the person having the seizure is wearing a medical ID bracelet. They may be carrying a care plan or emergency contact details.

The following infographic shows you what to do in such an emergency

Link to PDF

First aid for epilepsy

Take preventative steps

Anything that affects consciousness, awareness or judgement can increase the risk of accidents and injury. Take time to assess your home and workplace and any leisure activities you do. Ask yourself:

What risks are there in this setting?
What are the potential hazards if someone has a seizure?
What actions can I take to reduce the risk of harm, for me and others?

First aid for epilepsy

Take preventative steps

When bathing

Swimming / water activities

Take showers rather than baths.
If possible, have a shower with a flat floor rather than a tray so water doesn’t collect.
Use either plastic or safety glass shower for your screen/cubicle, or a shower curtain in case you have a seizure.
If your shower is over a bath, wrap a towel around the taps.
Shower when someone else is in the house or when seizures are least likely.
Don’t lock the bathroom door. You may wish to consider fitting a bathroom door which opens outwards in case you have a seizure behind the door.

Do not swim alone. Public swimming pools with lifeguards are the safest places to swim; let them know you have epilepsy so they can support you if necessary.
If taking part in water activities, such as fishing, sailing or canoeing, wear a life jacket and let others know you have epilepsy.

Avoid injury from falls

Minimise the risk of burns

Cover hard floors with non-slip rugs / mats.
Keep stairs and walkways free from obstacles.
Consider covering sharp edges, including on furniture.
Use toughened safety glass or double glazing for doors and windows – or use a safety film to cover existing glass.
If you have seizures during sleep choose a low bed. Keep furniture or hard objects away from the bed.
Use cordless appliances with an automatic switch-off and ensure electrical cables are not trailing.
Make sure wide opening windows and balconies have suitable locks or barriers.
Avoid activities at height unless using a harness.

Ensure hot water, heaters, radiators and spas/hot-tubs are temperature-controlled.
Use a guard for open fires, fireplaces and radiators/heaters. Avoid using lightweight free-standing heaters if possible.
Turn the cold water tap on first and off last.
Use a microwave where possible instead of a stove or oven. Keep the microwave below head height.
Place saucepan handles away from the edge of the cooker.
Serve meals from the counter rather than carrying hot food to the table.
Avoid lighting candles or fires when alone.
Switch off heated appliances as soon as you have finished using them.
Take care around barbecues and bonfires.

Childcare safety tips

Instead of carrying the child, use a stroller when possible. You may also wish to use a stroller safety wrist strap.
Change the baby on the floor.
Do not bath the baby when you are alone.
Feed the baby whilst sitting on a couch or bed so the child is supported.

General advice

Think ahead

Wear a helmet for activities such as cycling and a mouthguard for contact / risk sports.
Stand back from roads and / or platform edges when waiting for a bus etc.
Use lifts rather than stairs or escalators when available.
Use non-breakable crockery and be careful around knives.
Wear gloves to wash dishes and load a dishwasher with sharp points downwards.
Have an electrician install a circuit breaker on your power supply.
Use an electric shaver instead of a razor.
Use power tools with safety guards and automatic stop switches & wear protective gear.

Explain your seizures and what to do in an emergency to your friends and family so they can be prepared.
Offer them a copy of our first aid infographic.
Wear a medical alert or carry a wallet card so emergency services can quickly find out about your epilepsy.
Put your emergency contact details into your phone.
Carry a copy of your epilepsy plan or a summary of your medications and allergies.

Also see

Support children, their families and their health professionals

See Children, adolescence and risk

There are 40+ different types of seizures

See How Manage Seizures

Learn about Epilepsy Lifestyle and Risk

See Lifestyle and Risk

For one-to-one support after an epilepsy death contact our support team today

We provide the only support line for people bereaved by an epilepsy death and offer access to qualified counsellors who have a special interest and understanding in sudden and traumatic death.

Call our support team

If you are in the UK or Ireland we can talk with you by email or telephone. Our support team will do its best to give you what you need.

If you are outside the UK we will try and put you in touch with services available in your country.

01235 772852 support@sudep.org

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