also, this is specific to me. basic first aid remains the same for everyone but please don't assume this same protocol for others. click here for more general seizure info.
-NOT if the seizure lasts more than five minutes:
first administer my rescue meds, and if that's not possible or if they don't work then call an ambulance
-if at any point during the seizure i stop breathing entirely (lips turn blue),
-if i hit my head or seriously injure myself
-if we're climbing or somewhere remote and i need to be extricated (999 -> police -> mountain rescue)
-if my seizures present very differently to normal (keep in mind they do vary a little bit)
-if you're unable to handle the situation for whatever reason or you have to leave
sometimes i go a bit absent or act confused for between 1-10 minutes before the seizure starts, sometimes they just happen out of the blue. my whole body will tense up, eyes roll back/flutter, my arms and upper body will start to convulse first and then my legs. i might make grunting noises and will probably struggle to breathe.
usually my seizures last less than 2-3 minutes but rarely they'll go on for 5 minutes or longer. they usually happen in clusters of 3+. afterwards i might not wake up straight away, and if i do i'll be very confused, lethargic and in pain.
-keep me out of immediate danger (e.g. move me away from the road) and keep my head safe (put a coat underneath or move sharp objects away) but otherwise avoid touching/moving me if possible
-make sure to time the seizure. if it goes on for more than 5 minutes i have rescue medication (buccal midazolam, picture below with a clickable link to the instructions) that i'll always have on me either in my jacket or the top pocket of my rucksack. there are instructions on the packaging but tldr it's 2mL of horrible tasting liquid in a syringe (no needle!!) that goes in my mouth, in the space between my lower jaw and cheek.
-keep an eye on my breathing, as i said it's normal for me to struggle a bit but if i turn blue or stop completely then it's ambulance time!
-stay calm, it will probably look scary but panicking only makes things worse (as is the case with any first aid). if it's busy try to keep people from crowding me for the sake of my dignity (and so i don't freak tf out when i wake up).
-if we're driving, i'm pretty safe in a car seat, just make sure i'm strapped in and that my head's safe, and pull over if possible. if we're climbing, try and lower me to the ground asap if possible (i might have a chest harness handy to keep me upright, or it's easy to diy one by tying a knot in a sling) and if we're outdoors make sure i'm not too cold. if i'm in my wheelchair try and either push my chair to soft ground or move me to the floor as i don't have any brakes.
-don't freak out! or yell! or shine a light in my eyes or put anything in my mouth
-don't leave me alone or in immediate danger during or after a seizure
don't call 999/emergency services unless necessary for the reasons above
-make sure i'm comfortable and warm and turn me onto my side in the recovery position
-once i wake up maybe offer me some water, glucogel/sugary drink, or liquid ibuprofen which i usually have on me
-i will be confused and might not remember where i am or recognise faces, so please remind/reassure me if that happens!
-the safest place for me to be is my own bed, but if that's not possible then somewhere i can rest and lie down for a little while is ideal