Shakes, Drops & Teacher Superpowers: Handling Seizures and Emergencies in Your Classroom - post

Shakes, Drops & Teacher Superpowers: Handling Seizures and Emergencies in Your Classroom

When medical emergencies happen in #early-childhood-education settings, staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether it's a seizure, an allergic reaction, or something unexpected, #preparedness is your superpower. Here’s what childcare providers need to know to stay ready, act rightly, and keep every child #safe.

What Is a Seizure, and When Should I Be Concerned?

A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Pediatric seizures come in many forms:

• Some are obvious, like generalized tonic-clonic (stiffening & jerking of the body).

• Others are more subtle: blank staring, slight twitching, or temporary loss of awareness.

• Causes range from epilepsy, fever (febrile seizures), head injury, metabolic issues, or unknown triggers. 

You should always be more alert if:

• It’s the child’s first known seizure.

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. 

• There are multiple seizures one after another without recovery.

• There’s difficulty breathing, or the child is blue, injured, or in water.

• The child does not regain awareness after it ends. 

How Should I Respond During a Seizure or Other Medical Emergency in Class?

Here’s a clear guide for caregivers:

1. Stay calm & stay with the child — your presence is essential. 

2. Ensure #safety: remove nearby hazards (hard furniture, sharp edges), gently guide them to the floor if they are standing. Cushion their head. Loosen tight clothing. 

3. Turn them on their side (recovery position) to help keep the airway clear, especially if they vomit or saliva builds up.

4. Time the seizure — note when it starts and how long it lasts. This helps determine when #emergency services should be called. 

5. What not to do:

   • Don’t restrain the child. 

   • Don’t put anything in their mouth. 

   • Don’t try to force awaken them or give food/drink until they are fully alert.

6. After the seizure: help the child recover quietly in a safe place, reassure them, check for injuries, and notify #parents/guardians. Document what happened. 

What Preparations Should Childcare Providers Make BEFORE an Emergency Occurs?

Being proactive makes emergencies easier to manage.

• Develop and keep on file a Seizure Action Plan for any child with known seizures. Include what a typical seizure looks like for them, rescue medication if prescribed, when to call 911, etc.

• Ensure all #staff are trained on seizure first aid and general medical #emergency-response. AIDCpr.com’s First Aid & CPR Blended Course or First Aid and CPR Course will help prepare you.

• Maintain easily accessible copies of the First Aid for Seizures Info Sheet so everyone knows the basic steps. Check this resource: First Aid for Seizures Info Sheet ChildCare Education

• Include emergency protocols for other medical emergencies (injury, choking, allergic reactions etc.) so there is clarity on roles and responses. For a broad view, see this article: “Common Childhood Emergencies and How to Handle Them: A First Aid Primer.”

When Should I Call Emergency Services?

You should call 911 (or your local emergency number) when:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. 

• There are repeated seizures back-to-back without full recovery.

• The child has trouble breathing, turns blue, or there is injury.

• It’s the first time the child is having a seizure.

• The child doesn’t regain awareness.

Better safe than sorry—if in doubt, call.

Why Is Proper Training and Preparedness So Important?

• Seizures, though frightening, are often not life-threatening if handled correctly. But missteps (like restraining the child, putting things in the mouth, or delaying calling for help) can increase risk. 

• Confidence from staff helps reduce panic, ensure quicker action, and better outcomes.

• Parents and children feel #safer when policies, action plans, and trained caregivers are in place.

Next Steps You Can Take Today

• Enroll in the First Aid & CPR Blended Course at AIDCpr.com to combine online learning and hands-on practice.

• Or choose the full hands-on First Aid and CPR Course to dive deeper into emergency skills.

• Review and post in your #classroom the First Aid for Seizures Info Sheet so all staff and substitutes can see it.

• Use resources like the article on “Common Childhood Emergencies” linked above to expand your emergency plans beyond seizures.

If you found this article useful, please follow AIDCpr.com on social media for more #classroom-safety tips, training updates, and medical emergency guides. Together, we help children stay safe, calm, and cared for—even when the unexpected happens.