2. Epilepsy is….
• a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures
• seizures are a brief temporary disturbance in the
electrical system of the brain
• is not contagious or a mental illness
• very well controlled with medications
3. Types of Seizures
• Absence (also known as petit mal)
• Complex Partial
• Tonic Clonic (also known as grand Mal)
4. Incidence Rate for Seizures
• 1:100 people in the general population
• 1:50 people under the age of 18
(potentially 1 student in each standard size
bus)
• 1:3 students with a developmental disability
(highly likely in special ed bus fleet)
5. Absence Seizures (petit mal)
• most common type of seizure in primary
and elementary school students
• characterized by blank stare
• unresponsive to outside stimulus
• automatic behaviors(lip smacking, picking
at clothes)
• lasts a matter of seconds
6. First Aid for Absence Seizures
• Protect from harm
• Observe ( frequency, how long)
• Document (when, how often)
• Report ( school nurse/administrator)
7. Complex Partial Seizures
• student is not aware of their surroundings
• mobility is maintained
• student may resist any attempt at restraint
• lasts 2-4 minutes
8. First Aid: Partial Seizures
• pull bus over and stop as soon as it is
safely possible
• contact dispatch
• guard from harm (sharp objects, stairs)
• allow student to move (do not restrain)
• Make sure student is dropped off with a
responsible adult
9. Tonic Clonic Seizures (grand mal)
• convulsive activity
• grinding motion of teeth
• shallow breathing
• unaware of surroundings
• fluids from mouth
• typically lasts 2-4 minutes (can last much
longer
10. First Aid: Tonic Clonic Seizures
• pull over & stop bus as soon as safe
• contact dispatch
• protect from harm
• keep airway clear(roll on side across bench)
• do not force anything in mouth
• time seizure
• leave with responsible adult
11. Issues Requiring 911 Assistance
• first time seizures
• cluster seizures (occurring back to back)
• seizures that last more than 5 minutes
• student is injured, pregnant or has diabetes
• if distance to 911 is unknown (rural areas,
field or athletic trips)
12. Special Issues to Consider
• wheelchair vs mobile
• use of diastat
• keeping others students calm and safe
• prepare Seizure Action Plan in IEP
• coordinate closely with dispatch throughout
