British Red Cross: First Aid for Febrile Seizures

British Red Cross: First Aid for Febrile Seizures

Seizures in children are not uncommon. The most common form of seizure experienced by babies and young children is febrile seizures. The steps to take in helping a person having a seizure are very simple, but there are a few extra things we can do to help if a little one in your care is having a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures can happen when a child has a fever and are most common between the ages of six months and five years. They can be very scary for both the children in your care along with childcarers and parents. However, they are unlikely to cause harm to the child. 

How can I tell if a child is having a febrile seizure?

A baby or child having a febrile seizure may have been experiencing a fever (high temperature) due to common illness such as an ear or throat infection.  They may become less responsive or unresponsive, arch their back, clench their fists, stiffen their body and may shake vigorously. They may look red-faced, be hot to the touch and sweating.
You may also notice their eyes roll upwards and they may hold their breath.

How can I help a child who is having a febrile seizure?

1. Protect them from injury but do not restrain them.
Move things that could injure the baby or child while they are having a seizure. Use pillows or soft padding, such as a blanket or clothing, to protect their head.

2. Take off their outer clothing to help cool them.
Febrile seizures are caused by a raised temperature, so it is important to cool the baby or child. If the room is hot, open doors and windows to ensure there is a flow of fresh air.

3. When the seizure is over, help them to rest on their side with their head tilted back. Call 999 for emergency help.
Helping them to lie on their side with their head back will help them to keep breathing. Monitor and reassure them until help arrives.

Support different learning styles with a blended course 

Red Cross Training’s blended paediatric first aid course is available to book now. It includes one day of online training and one day of face-to-face training and is ideal for learners who have attended a paediatric first aid course previously.

Learn more
https://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/courses/first-aid-at-work-courses-uk-mainland/

Don't forget, as a Morton Michel policyholder you can get a 10% discount on the British Red Cross's paediatric first aid courses through our exclusive ChildCare Club. Find out more here.

Please note, the information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent the views or opinions of Morton Michel.