Seizure First Aid on a School Bus

Taking the bus to and from school should not be something to be avoided if your child has epilepsy. However, experiencing a seizure on a crowded bus can be a unique experience. The following tips are a few simple, common-sense steps that can be taken when responding to a seizure situation on a school bus:

• Make sure the bus driver and other school personnel or aides are familiar with the Seizure Action Plan released by your child’s epilepsy doctor.
• Unlicensed individuals ARE permitted to administer rescue medications according to the guidelines in the Seizure Action Plan.
• Make sure the rescue medication(s) are with the patient, appropriately labeled and accessible.

In the event of a seizure on the school bus

• Bus driver needs to safely pull over and stop the bus. He/she may continue driving only if an aide is present.
• Note the time seizure started, so the duration of the seizure may be approximated.
• Always stay calm and protect (rather than restrain) the person.
• Lie the patient down across the seats (or the aisle, if unable to utilize the seating).
• Turn the person on their side and make sure the airway is clear and breathing is not obstructed.
• Clear the immediate area by folding up seat arms and re-assign seats for the other children on the school bus.
• Loosen tight fitting clothing and arrange pillows or blankets to prevent injury during the seizure.
• Do not place anything in the patient’s mouth.
• Observe the patient during the seizure, recording how long it lasts and the recovery time.
• Reassure and remain with the person.
• Have rescue medication available if prescribed by the physician.
• Provide privacy in the event rescue medication needs to be administered.
• Notify the parent.
• Call 9-1-1 if:
  • Seizure lasts >5 minutes if rescue medication is NOT PRESCRIBED.
  • Seizure continues 5 minutes AFTER rescue medication was administered.
  • Patient does not wake up 10 minutes after rescue medication was administered.