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🚨 If life is in immediate danger — call 911 first. Then follow this protocol.

Seizure Protocol

Owner: Clinical Operations Audience: All FCAP staff & interns Print: Use browser Print (Cmd/Ctrl+P) — formats for a single sheet

This protocol gives you the steps to take if a client, intern, or staff member has a seizure on FCAP premises or during an FCAP program. Stay calm. Most seizures end on their own within 1–2 minutes. Your job is to keep the person safe, time the seizure, and get them appropriate care.

During a seizure — what to do

1
Stay with the person. Note the time.

Start a mental or stopwatch clock the moment the seizure begins. The duration is the single most important piece of information for medical responders.

2
Make the area safe.

  • Move nearby furniture, sharp objects, or hazards out of the way.
  • Put something soft under their head (folded jacket, cushion).
  • Loosen anything tight around the neck (collar, scarf, lanyard).

3
Turn them gently onto their side (recovery position).

This helps keep the airway clear, especially if they vomit or have excess saliva. Only do this when it's safe to do so — don't fight active convulsions.

4
Send someone for help.

If anyone else is nearby, ask them to call the supervisor on duty and to bring the emergency binder. Don't leave the person alone if you can avoid it.

Call 911 if any of these are true:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
  • The person has trouble breathing or doesn't wake up after the seizure ends.
  • A second seizure follows close behind the first.
  • The person was injured during the seizure (head injury, dislocation, etc.).
  • It's the person's first known seizure.
  • The seizure happened in water.
  • The person is pregnant, has diabetes, or has another known medical condition.
  • You're not sure — when in doubt, call.

Do NOT

  • Do not put anything in the person's mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue. Objects can break teeth or block the airway.
  • Do not hold them down or try to stop the movements.
  • Do not give food, water, or medication until they are fully awake and alert.
  • Do not leave them alone until they are fully oriented.

After the seizure

5
Stay calm and reassuring.

The person may be confused, tired, or disoriented for several minutes ("postictal state"). Speak slowly, identify yourself, and tell them where they are. Confusion can last 5–30 minutes.

6
Notify their emergency contact.

Call the contact on file in the participant's record. If 911 was called, also notify the supervisor on duty.

7
Offer water and rest once they're alert.

Only after the person is fully awake, talking, and oriented. They should not drive themselves home.

Documentation (within 24 hours)

Every seizure event must be documented, even if 911 was not called. The Clinical Operations team uses these records to track patterns and update care plans.

Include:

  • Date, time, and location of the seizure.
  • Duration (start and end times).
  • What you observed: body movements, level of consciousness, breathing, any injuries.
  • What was happening just before — activity, eating, medication time, mood.
  • Actions taken by staff, including whether 911 was called.
  • Who was present as witness.
  • Post-seizure state — how long until alert, any injuries discovered after.
Submit documentation via the SHW Clinic incident reporting workflow. If you don't know how, ask the SHW Clinic Coordinator.

Emergency contacts

  • 911
    Emergency Services
    Always first if life is in danger
     Call 911
  • @
    SHW Clinic Coordinator
    Notify after 911 / for documentation
     Email
  • @
    Director of Clinical Operations
    For serious incidents requiring leadership awareness
     Email
  • PDF
    Original Seizure Protocol PDF
    For printing — kept in each emergency binder
     Open
Questions about this protocol or want to walk through it with the clinical team? Email info@fcapotential.org. New staff and interns should review this in their first week.