SHEQ Bulletin - 060

SHEQ

BULLETIN

DIVISION: NCS, NCGL AND NORSE CARE LOCATION: ALL SITES NUMBER: 060

UPDATING YOU ON KEY NEWS FROM AROUND NORSE GROUP

SEIZURES (FITS) WHAT TO DO Introduction

This Safety Bulletin has been put together to raise awareness of what to do if you see someone having a Seizure (Fit) and some simple things that can be done to help the person having it.

What should you do Stay Calm, it can be scary to witness someone having a seizure, especially for the first time, the best thing you can do is not panic and follow these points.

If the person having the seizure is in a wheelchair, apply the brakes leaving any seatbelt on if already in place, gently support them cushioning their head. Do Not try to move them, put anything in their mouth such as fingers, or give them food or drink until fully recovered.

When should you call an Ambulance You should call 999 and request an Ambulance if: It’s the first time the person has had a seizure The seizure lasts longer than usual, if they are known to have them

Only move the person if they are in danger, such as near a busy road or dangerous machinery

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if you don’t know how long they usually last

Cushion their head if they’re on the ground

The person does not regain full consciousness, or has several seizures without regaining consciousness

Loosen any tight restrictive clothing around their neck to aid breathing, such as collars and ties After convulsions have stopped, turn them onto their sides into the Recovery Position Stay with them, and talk to them calmly until they recover Make a note of the time the seizure started and finished

The person is seriously hurt or injured during their seizure People with Epilepsy do not always need an ambulance or need to visit hospital following a seizure. They will usually have a care plan which depicts what to do, including providing emergency medicine, this will have been agreed with their doctors and family/carer. Some wear a bracelet or carry a card to let witnesses and medical professionals know that they have epilepsy.

NON PROTECTIVELY MARKED Approved by: SHEQ Director

Version: 1

Author: SHEQ Department

Issue: All Norse Group

SHEQ

BULLETIN

DIVISION: NCS, NCGL AND NORSE CARE LOCATION: ALL SITES NUMBER: 060

UPDATING YOU ON KEY NEWS FROM AROUND NORSE GROUP

The Recovery Position

Their bent arm should be supporting the head, and their extended arm will stop them rolling too far

Once the seizure has stopped the person should be placed in the recovery position to keep their airways clear and open, also ensuring that any obstructions such as vomit or fluid doesn’t cause them to choke, to do this follow these steps.

Kneel on the floor beside them, with them lying on their back Extend the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body with their palm facing up Take their other arm and fold it so the back of their hand rests on the cheek closest to you, hold it in place Use your free hand to bend the persons knee farthest from you to a right angle

Make sure the bent leg is at a right angle Open their airway by gently tilting their head back, lifting their chin, check nothing is blocking their airway Stay with the person and monitor their condition until help arrives Alternatively a short video can be found on the NHS site giving a step-by-step guide to the Recovery Position.

If you believe the person has suffered a spinal injury. Do not attempt to move them until emergency services arrive, you can if necessary open their airways by placing your hands each side of their head and gently lift their jaw with your fingertips to open their airway, taking care not to move their neck.

Carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling the bent knee towards you

NON PROTECTIVELY MARKED Approved by: SHEQ Director

Version: 1

Author: SHEQ Department

Issue: All Norse Group

SHEQ

BULLETIN

DIVISION: NCS, NCGL AND NORSE CARE LOCATION: ALL SITES NUMBER: 060

UPDATING YOU ON KEY NEWS FROM AROUND NORSE GROUP

Useful information you should make a note of If someone is having a seizure, there is information that could be useful to the person’s doctor afterwards.

What were they doing prior to the seizure?

Did they perform any action, such as mumble, wander about, or fumble with clothing?

How long did the seizure last?

Was bowel or bladder control lost?

Did the person mention any unusual sensations such as taste or smell?

Was a mood change noticed in the person, such as excitement, anxiety, or anger?

What brought your attention to the seizure, noise of them falling, body movements, eye rolling?

Did it happen without warning?

Did the person loss consciousness or altered awareness?

Did the person change colour, pale, flushed, or blue, if so where face, lips, hands?

Did any body parts stiffen, jerk or twitch, if so, which?

Did they bite their tongue?

How were they after the seizure?

Did they need to sleep after, if so for how long for?

Further Information: If you require further information please contact either of the below or visit the NHS website from which this information has been sourced: Rob Dent – Group Health, Safety & Environmental Manager robert.dent@norsegroup.co.uk Safety Concerns Mailbox safetyconcerns@ncsgrp.co.uk

Did their breathing change?

NON PROTECTIVELY MARKED Approved by: SHEQ Director

Version: 1

Author: SHEQ Department

Issue: All Norse Group