New PSAs about Seizure First Aid Released

The Epilepsy Foundation, in partnership with the CDC, have released a series of new Seizure First Aid service announcements.

The basketball-themed PSAs are airing on the CBS network's Philadelphia and Chicago affiliates and on the CW Atlanta affiliate leading up to and during the NCAA “March Madness” basketball tournament. The foundation’s new #ShareMySeizure education initiative features the PSAs in order to assist in general public awareness about seizure recognition and first aid.

According to the press release, 1 in 10 people will have a seizure over the course of their lifetime, and 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Therefore, awareness could be the key in getting a person the help that they need in an emergency situation. In order to give context to Seizure First Aid, the PSAs feature a basketball player who has a seizure during a game, and his teammates stay by his side. The PSA will highlight the foundation’s steps to remember basic Seizure First Aid: stay, safe, side.

• STAYwith the person and start timing the seizure. Remain calm and check for medical ID.
• Make sure they areSAFEand move away harmful objects.
• If they convulse or are not awake, turn them on theirSIDE. Don't block their airway. Put something small and soft under the head. Loosen tight clothes around their neck.
• Never put anything in their mouth. Do not give water, pills or food until the person is awake.
• Do not restrain them.
• Stay with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure. Most seizures end in a few minutes.
• If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or the person is injured, call 911.

For more information on Seizure First Aid, visit the foundation's website atepilepsy.com/FirstAid.

The #ShareMySeizure initiative is in its 3^rdyear of a 5-year grant with the CDC. It includes strong digital and social media components featured on the Epilepsy Foundation’s channel, CBS Local websites and newsletters, as well as CDC platforms. The first 2 years focused on education about the many types of seizures associated with epilepsy.

Reference

Epilepsy Foundation Launches New TV Spots to Promote Proper Seizure First Aid [news release]. Landover, Maryland. PR Newswire website. Published March 4^th, 2019.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epilepsy-foundation-launches-new-tv-spots-to-promote-proper-seizure-first-aid-300805352.html. Accessed March 6^th, 2019.