Why Seizure Awareness and Training in
Schools Matter
As a parent, there is nothing more important than knowing your child is safe. We trust schools with our children for hours each day, believing that the adults around them will recognize when something is wrong and know how to respond in an emergency. For families living with epilepsy and seizures, that trust carries an even deeper meaning.
Seizures can happen at any time. They do not wait for a convenient moment, and they do not always look the way people expect them to. That is why seizure awareness and proper seizure training in schools are so important to me.
When most people hear the word seizure, they may imagine someone falling to the ground and shaking. But seizures can look very different. A child may suddenly stare into space and not respond. They may seem confused, repeat unusual movements, wander, lose their balance, become stiff, or experience shaking or jerking movements. Sometimes the signs can be subtle enough that they are mistaken for daydreaming, behavior problems, or simply not paying attention.
For a parent, one of the most frightening thoughts is knowing that your child could have a seizure while you are not there. You wonder: Will someone recognize what is happening? Will they know what to do? Will they stay calm? Will they follow my child's seizure action plan?
No parent should have to spend the school day wondering whether the people caring for their child are prepared.
That is why I believe seizure training should be available to teachers, school staff, administrators, coaches, bus drivers, and anyone else responsible for the safety of our children. The more people who understand seizures, the more likely a child will receive a quick, calm, and appropriate response when they need it most.
What Should Teachers and School Staff Look For?
Seizures do not look the same in every person. Staff should be aware of signs such as:
Sudden staring or appearing to "zone out"
Not responding when spoken to
Sudden confusion or disorientation
Repetitive movements such as lip smacking, chewing, picking at clothing, or rubbing hands together
Sudden falls or loss of balance
Stiffening of the body
Jerking or shaking movements
Wandering or unusual behavior
Complaints of unusual smells, tastes, sensations, or feelings
Extreme tiredness, confusion, headaches, or difficulty speaking after an episode
It is also important to remember that just because a child is awake does not mean they are aware of what is happening. Some children may be unable to respond or communicate during a seizure.
Every child with epilepsy is different, which is why teachers and staff should understand the student's individual seizure action plan.
How Should Someone Respond to a Seizure?
One of the most important things a person can do is stay calm.
If someone is having a seizure, school staff should:
Stay with the person and do not leave them alone.
Look at the time and monitor how long the seizure lasts.
Keep the person safe by moving dangerous objects away.
Protect their head from injury if they have fallen.
When safe to do so, turn them onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
Do not hold them down or try to stop their movements.
Never put anything in their mouth.
Give them privacy and move unnecessary bystanders away.
Follow the student's individual seizure action plan and emergency procedures.
Stay with and reassure the person after the seizure ends, as they may be confused, scared, or extremely tired.
For students who have prescribed emergency seizure medication, designated and properly trained staff should know the procedures outlined in the student's health and seizure action plan.
Emergency services should be called according to the student's individual emergency plan and school policy. Immediate emergency help may be necessary when a seizure lasts longer than directed in the person's plan, commonly five minutes or more when no individualized plan provides different instructions; when seizures occur back-to-back without recovery; when there are breathing difficulties or injuries; when a seizure occurs in water; or when the situation is otherwise medically concerning.
Knowledge Can Replace Fear
Watching someone have a seizure can be scary. I understand that. But fear should not be the reason someone is unprepared.
Training gives school staff the knowledge and confidence to act quickly without panicking. It can help them recognize seizures that may not look obvious, understand what not to do, and know when to follow emergency procedures.
Most importantly, training can give families peace of mind.
As parents, we cannot be beside our children every moment of the day. We have to trust the people around them. Knowing that a teacher understands what a seizure may look like and knowing that staff have been trained to respond appropriately can make an incredible difference to a family living with epilepsy.
This Is About More Than One Child
Seizure awareness matters because epilepsy can affect anyone. A child who appears perfectly healthy may experience a seizure at school, on the playground, during gym class, on the bus, or at a school event.
Preparedness should not begin after a frightening emergency. Schools should have knowledge, training, and plans in place before a child needs help.
Children with epilepsy deserve to learn, play, participate, and make memories at school just like every other child. They deserve to feel safe. They deserve teachers and staff who understand their condition rather than fear it. And they deserve to know that if a seizure happens, the adults around them will recognize the signs and know how to help.
For me, seizure awareness is deeply personal. It is about the children and families who live every day with the uncertainty that seizures can bring. It is about advocating for understanding, education, compassion, and preparedness.
Because when it comes to our children, being prepared is not asking too much.
Seizure awareness can save valuable time. Proper training can prevent unnecessary harm. And a prepared school can give a child—and their family—the priceless gift of feeling safe.
That is why seizure awareness and seizure training in schools matters.