Epilepsy Ireland Asks Louth To Familiarize Themselves With Seizure First Aid Guidelines

As International Epilepsy Day 2025 approaches on February 10, Epilepsy Ireland has launched a campaign in Louth, Ireland, to educate the community about Seizure First Aid. With an estimated 1,280 people living with epilepsy in Louth, Epilepsy Ireland emphasizes the importance of knowing how to properly respond to seizures.

“Knowing how to correctly respond to a seizure is important. Every moment counts when someone is experiencing a seizure,” says Paddy McGeoghegan, Advocacy & Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland. “Our new campaign uses the key words TIME, SAFE, and STAY to provide a clear and memorable guide for managing seizure situations.”

The first step in Seizure First Aid, according to Epilepsy Ireland, is to time the seizure. It is crucial to know that if a seizure continues for more than five minutes, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.

During a convulsive seizure, individuals are advised to cushion the person’s head with a soft object and remove any harmful objects nearby. Never put anything in the person’s mouth or restrain them. For non-convulsive seizures, it is important to guide the person away from danger.

Epilepsy Ireland highlights that, during non-convulsive seizures, a person may experience symptoms such as staring blankly, confusion, agitation, or repetitive behaviors. In these cases, the individual’s awareness of their surroundings is affected.

After the seizure ends, it is crucial to stay with the person. Seizure recovery can cause confusion and fatigue, so reassurance and support are important.

Check for any injuries and provide first aid as needed. Conditions requiring immediate medical attention include seizures that go on for more than five minutes, the person’s first seizure, and seizures that occur in pregnant individuals.

• Call an ambulance if a person’s seizure breaks off and starts again.
• Contact emergency services if the seizure history is unknown or if it’s a first seizure.
• Dial 112 if there are physical injuries, such as a heavy fall.
• Seek medical help right away if the person is pregnant.

Epilepsy Ireland advises that priority should be given to safety and reassurance, and that any doubt should lead to dialing for emergency aid.

For more information on Seizure First Aid, the TIME, SAFE, STAY campaign, and other epilepsy-related topics, visit www.epilepsy.ie.

International Epilepsy Day, celebrated on March 10, focuses on raising awareness about the condition, reducing the stigma associated with it, and promoting research into epilepsy management. This year, the campaign in Louth will play a vital role in educating the community about how to support individuals with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Ireland’s campaign in Louth is a step towards involving the community in the management and support of individuals with epilepsy. By promoting education and awareness, the organization aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone affected by the condition.

Join Epilepsy Ireland’s initiative by familiarizing yourself with the Seizure First Aid protocol. By understanding how to respond to seizures effectively, you can provide crucial support and potentially improve the outcomes for people living with epilepsy in your community.

For more information on upcoming events, resources, and ways to get involved, visit www.epilepsy.ie and spread the word about the campaign.

Epilepsy Ireland’s Seizure First Aid campaign is an opportunity to take action and support individuals with epilepsy in Louth. By understanding the steps outlined in this initiative, you can play a vital role in promoting safety and fostering a more inclusive community.

Stay tuned for updates from Epilepsy Ireland as they prepare for International Epilepsy Day 2025 and continue their efforts to raise awareness about epilepsy.