It happens without warning. A student is sitting in class, at the oval, or in the library — and then they’re on the ground, shaking. For many school staff, it’s one of the scariest things they’ll ever witness. But with the right knowledge, you can stay calm, act correctly, and make a real difference to that student’s safety.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do when a student has a seizure, what not to do, and how Australian schools are expected to prepare for these situations.
Understanding Seizures in a School Setting
Seizures occur when there’s a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can affect anyone, but they’re most commonly associated with epilepsy — a neurological condition that affects around 1 in 100 Australians, according to Epilepsy Australia. Many children with epilepsy attend mainstream schools and lead full, active lives.
Not all seizures look the same. A tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure — the kind most people picture — involves muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking. But seizures can also appear as brief staring episodes, sudden muscle jerks, or confused and automatic behaviour. School staff need to recognise all types, not just the dramatic ones.
Step-by-Step: How to Manage a Tonic-Clonic Seizure
The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and Epilepsy Action Australia both provide clear guidance on seizure first aid. Here’s what to do:
1. Stay calm and stay with the student. Your presence matters. Keep other students back and give the person space — don’t crowd them.
2. Note the time. Check when the seizure started. This matters for what comes next.
3. Protect from injury. Clear away hard or sharp objects nearby. Do not restrain the person. Do not hold their limbs down — this can cause injury to both of you and does nothing to stop a seizure.
4. Cushion the head. Place something soft — a folded jacket, a bag — under their head if possible. Turn them gently onto their side once the jerking stops, to keep the airway clear. This is the recovery position.
5. Do not put anything in their mouth. This is one of the most persistent first aid myths. People cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Putting objects in their mouth risks injury to both you and the student.
6. Call 000 if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- The person doesn’t regain consciousness within 5 minutes of the seizure stopping
- Another seizure follows quickly
- The person is injured during the seizure
- This is their first-known seizure
- You are unsure of the cause
7. Stay with them until they’re fully recovered. After a tonic-clonic seizure, the person will often be confused, tired, and disoriented. This is normal. Don’t leave them alone, and speak calmly and reassuringly until they’ve fully come around.
Managing Absence Seizures and Other Types
Absence seizures — where a student briefly stares into space and is unresponsive for a few seconds — can be easily mistaken for daydreaming or inattention. The student may not even know it happened. For staff, the key is to record occurrences and notify parents and the school’s first aid officer, especially if they’re happening frequently. No immediate physical intervention is needed, but documentation is important.
Focal seizures (previously called partial seizures) may cause confused behaviour, automatisms (repetitive movements like lip-smacking or hand-rubbing), or brief loss of awareness. The student may not respond normally to you. Stay with them, speak calmly, and guide them away from danger if needed — but don’t restrain them.
What Schools Are Required to Have in Place
Under the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET Victoria) guidelines, schools are required to have a first aid policy and to support students with health conditions including epilepsy. This includes developing individual healthcare plans for students who have diagnosed conditions that may result in a medical emergency.
The DET Victoria guidelines on supporting students with medical conditions require schools to ensure relevant staff are trained and that individual management plans are in place. For students with known epilepsy, this may include specific instructions from a neurologist or paediatrician about rescue medication and when to call an ambulance.
WorkSafe Victoria also requires workplaces — including schools — to maintain an adequate number of trained first aiders and a stocked first aid kit appropriate to the hazards present. Seizure management is a core competency in any recognised first aid qualification.
Having a Plan Before It Happens
The best time to prepare for a seizure is before one happens. Schools should:
- Ensure first aid officers have current and valid first aid training (HLTAID012 or equivalent)
- Have individual healthcare plans in place for students with known epilepsy, reviewed annually with families and medical professionals
- Brief all classroom teachers — not just the first aid officer — on what to do in the first critical minutes
- Ensure relief and casual staff are also briefed on emergency procedures
Epilepsy Action Australia recommends that schools develop an Epilepsy Management Plan in consultation with the student’s family and treating doctor. These plans are school-specific and detail triggers, warning signs, the type of seizures the student has, and any rescue medication that may be prescribed.
After the Seizure: Supporting the Student
Once the student has recovered, they’ll likely need to rest. Some students feel embarrassed or distressed about having a seizure in front of their peers. How staff handle the aftermath matters as much as the first aid itself. Speak privately, use a calm tone, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Notify parents or carers, document the incident in the school’s first aid record, and follow up with the school’s student wellbeing team if needed.
Classmates may also have questions or concerns. A calm, matter-of-fact response from the teacher — without sensationalising the event — helps normalise the situation and reduces stigma for the student involved.
Make Sure Your Staff Are Ready
Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can be the difference between a well-managed emergency and one that causes additional harm. First aid training gives school staff the confidence to act correctly, stay calm, and support a student until professional help arrives.
AB First Aid runs practical, nationally recognised first aid courses from Tullamarine, designed for school staff and education workers across Melbourne. Courses cover seizure management, CPR, anaphylaxis response, and more — delivered in a clear, practical format that actually sticks.
If your school’s first aid certificates are coming up for renewal — or you want to get the whole staff trained — view the course schedule and enrol at AB First Aid. We’ll make sure your team is ready.
References
- Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) — Guideline 9.2.8: First Aid Management of Seizures. arc.org.au
- Epilepsy Action Australia — First Aid for Seizures. epilepsy.org.au
- Department of Education and Training Victoria — First Aid and Supporting Students with Medical Conditions. education.vic.gov.au
- WorkSafe Victoria — First Aid in the Workplace. worksafe.vic.gov.au
- Epilepsy Australia — About Epilepsy: Statistics. epilepsyaustralia.net
