How to Communicate with Emergency Services During a Seizure

In the event of a seizure, effective communication with emergency services is crucial for ensuring prompt and appropriate care. Here’s a guide on how to prepare for and handle these situations.

1. Prepare Your Information in Advance

Before an emergency occurs, gather and organise all essential information that emergency responders might need. This includes:

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Emergency contacts 
• Primary care physician and neurologist’s contact information
• Details about the epilepsy diagnosis (type of seizures, frequency, typical duration, known triggers)
• List of medications being taken and any allergies

Keep this information in an easily accessible location, such as a wallet card, a medical ID bracelet, or a dedicated emergency app on your phone.

2. Use Medical ID and Technology

Wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace that indicates you have epilepsy can be a lifesaver. In addition to your basic information, it should include:

• “Epilepsy” or “Seizure Disorder”
• Any critical medications or allergies
• An emergency contact number

There are also smartphone apps designed to assist during medical emergencies. Apps like 

Medical ID and ICE (In Case of Emergency) can store your medical information and be accessed quickly.

3. Train Your Support Network

Ensure that your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who spends significant time with you know how to respond during a seizure. They should be familiar with:

• Basic seizure first aid (e.g., not restraining you, moving objects away, timing the seizure)
• When and how to call emergency services
• How to use your medical ID or access emergency information on your phone

Conducting regular drills or role-playing scenarios can help your support network respond confidently and effectively.

National Epilepsy Training can help to train your support network on how to best care for you, view our range of courses here. 

4. Create an Emergency Seizure Plan

Develop a written plan that outlines the steps to take if you have a seizure. This plan should include:

• Specific instructions for calling emergency services
• Key information to provide to responders
• Post-seizure care and recovery steps

Share this plan with your support network and keep a copy in accessible places, such as your home, workplace, and car.

5. Communicating During the Call

If you or someone else is calling emergency services during a seizure, clear and concise communication is essential. Here’s what to include:

• State the emergency: “The person is having a seizure.”
• Provide the location: Give the exact address and any specific directions or landmarks.
• Describe the person’s condition: Include any relevant details, such as, “They have epilepsy,” “This is their typical seizure,” or “They’ve been seizing for X minutes.”
• Mention any injuries: If the person has been injured during the seizure, describe the injuries.
• Request specific assistance: For example, ask for an ambulance or mention if the person needs particular medical equipment.

6. Post-Seizure Communication

After the seizure, it’s important to update emergency responders and healthcare providers on the person’s condition. Inform them about:

• The duration and type of the seizure
• Any unusual symptoms or changes in behaviour
• The person’s medical history and current medications

Accurate information helps medical professionals provide the best care and make informed decisions about further treatment.

7. Educate Yourself on Local Emergency Protocols

Familiarise yourself with how emergency services operate in your area. This includes knowing the local emergency number, response times, and any specific protocols for medical emergencies involving epilepsy.

8. Stay Calm and Focused

In the midst of an emergency, staying calm is crucial. Take deep breaths and focus on providing the necessary information clearly and accurately. If you’re the one having the seizure, trust that your preparation and training of your support network will ensure you receive the help you need.

Effective communication with emergency services during a seizure can significantly impact the outcome and ensure prompt, appropriate care. By preparing your information in advance, utilising medical ID and technology, training your support network, creating an emergency seizure plan, and knowing how to communicate clearly during an emergency, you can manage these situations with confidence. Your preparedness can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and well-being.