Seizure First Aid in Schools: Teacher & Staff Safety Guide

A seizure in the classroom can be a frightening experience—for both the student experiencing it and those witnessing it. In Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada schools, having teachers and staff trained in seizure first aid is crucial. With the right knowledge, school personnel can respond calmly, confidently, and effectively, keeping the student safe while reducing panic among classmates.

Providing seizure first aid training alongside CPR and AED certification is an essential part of creating a safe, prepared learning environment.

Understanding Seizures in Schools

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. Different types of seizures can occur, but the ones most commonly witnessed in schools include:

• Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): Loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and jerking movements.

• Absence Seizures: Brief lapses in attention, often mistaken for daydreaming or inattentiveness.

• Focal Seizures: May involve confusion, twitching, staring, or unusual behavior in one part of the body.

Knowing the type of seizure helps teachers and staff respond appropriately and keep the student safe.

First Aid for a Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure

If a student experiences a seizure with shaking or loss of consciousness, follow these steps:

Do:

• Stay calm and reassure other students.

• Protect the student from injury—clear nearby desks, chairs, and sharp objects.

• Gently ease the student to the floor if standing.

• Place something soft under their head, like a jacket or cushion.

• Once jerking stops, turn them onto their side to keep the airway clear.

• Time the seizure; most last 1–2 minutes.

• Stay with the student until they are fully alert and safe.

Do Not:

• Do not restrain the student’s movements.

• Do not put anything in their mouth—they cannot swallow their tongue.

• Do not give food, drink, or medication until they are fully alert.

When to Call 911

Seek emergency medical help immediately if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

• It is the student’s first known seizure.

• The student has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness.

• Another seizure occurs immediately after the first.

• The student is injured during the seizure.

• You are unsure of what to do.

After the Seizure

Once the seizure ends:

• Stay with the student—they may feel confused, tired, or embarrassed.

• Provide privacy if possible.

• Allow them to rest or visit the school nurse before returning to class.

• Reassure classmates and offer a calm explanation if appropriate.

• Document the incident and inform the school nurse, administrators, and the student’s guardians.

  
  

Proactive Classroom Seizure Safety in Northern Nevada Schools

• Know Your Students: For students with known seizure disorders, maintain an individualized Seizure Action Plan.

• Train All Staff: Ensure teachers, aides, coaches, and support staff understand seizure first aid and CPR.

• Raise Awareness: Foster a compassionate classroom culture to reduce fear, stigma, and misconceptions about seizures.

• Keep the Environment Safe: Minimize hard or sharp surfaces, especially around desks, playgrounds, and gym areas.

Conclusion

Seizures in the classroom are unpredictable but manageable. With the right preparation, teachers and school staff in Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada can provide immediate, effective care, keeping the student safe and supported.

Combining seizure first aid training with CPR and AED certification ensures staff are fully prepared to handle all types of emergencies—from sudden cardiac arrest to seizures—creating a safer, more confident school environment.