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Knowing how to Respond is Critical

While the overwhelming majority of law enforcement and EMS personnel do an outstanding job recognizing and handling citizens experiencing seizures, in limited cases they may respond with inappropriate force to behaviors associated with seizures, especially complex partial seizures. These particular seizures cloud awareness, block normal communication, and produce a variety of undirected, involuntary and unorganized movements that may be erroneously viewed as aggression. The results can be fatal, especially when dangerous restraint practices are used.

This section provides first responder agencies guidance on how to appropriately recognize and manage persons having seizures -- to ensure the safety of all parties.

Recognizing a Seizure

Check for a medical identification card or bracelet indicating that the person has epilepsy.

If family members or bystanders report that the person has epilepsy, assume that the observed behavior is seizure-related.

Seizure activity in the brain may affect speech, consciousness, and movement to such an extent that a person cannot respond or interact normally during the seizure or immediately afterwards.

Actions during a seizure are undirected and not under conscious control.

Responding Appropriately

Emergency medical teams and law enforcement personnel can reduce the risk of injury and a fatal outcome by remembering a few key points when responding to reports of a seizure or someone acting strangely.

Getting the Training You Need

Take advantage of seizure awareness and response training offered by Epilepsy Foundation affiliates across the country. Learn more.

Now Available

New Online Training: Epilepsy and Seizure Response for Law Enforcement. The Epilepsy Foundation announces its online training for Law Enforcement professionals. The 45 minute, online training course is free, and the user can receive a certificate of completion. This product was developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under cooperative agreement number 5U58DP000606-05.

Register and access training

More materials

Purchase DVDs and materials for first responders, or FREE public education materials (although you must cover the cost of shipping & handling) at our online store.

First Responder Online Trainings

Now Available - Epilepsy & Seizure Response for EMS

The EMS training, about 60 minutes in length, describes a variety of seizures associated with epilepsy, seizures with other potential causes, appropriate EMS response on scene, and issues to be considered when determining whether or not further medical care is warranted.

The Law Enforcement training, about 45 minutes in length, aims to train law enforcement on seizure recognition, correct response to seizures, and awareness of the unique needs of people with epilepsy who might be taken into police custody.

These products were developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under cooperative agreement number 5U58DP000606 – 05.