Ambulance strikes 11 January
What to do if someone has a seizure
There are planned strikes to the ambulance service on 11 and 23 January. The Department of Health has issued the following guidance:
- Patients should continue to call 999 as normal if it is an emergency - when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
- Patients who do not have life-threatening conditions, should continue to use NHS 111 services for help and advice on their condition and the most appropriate local health care service.
- Ambulances will still be able to respond to 999 calls. For those calls where it is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available, and where appropriate, alternative transport can be arranged.
- If you have an appointment, please turn up unless told not to.
NHS England: information for the public on industrial action
Advice for people with epilepsy
Professor Ley Sander, Medical Director at the Epilepsy Society has advised anyone with epilepsy, as always, to make sure they do everything they can to reduce their risks of a seizure.
“Of course, we know that seizures happen when we least expect them but making sure that you look after yourself can help to mitigate the risks,” said Ley Sander.
“Make sure you take your medication as prescribed. Get the right amount of sleep. Eat regularly and, even though we are coming up for the party season, resist the temptation to drink and stay up late.
“If your seizures are uncontrolled, try to have someone with you who would be able to support you through a seizure on the two strike days. Let them know how long your seizures generally last, and at what point you would like them to call an ambulance, should a seizure happen.
“It is important to call an ambulance as normal and get the right medical advice. No-one should have to manage alone because of the strikes.
“If you have a seizure in the street and no-one is with you, a member of the public will not know your history and would need to call 999 straightaway. On the strike days, there could be delays.
“Make sure friends, family, colleagues are aware of our information on seizure first aid and how to support you.”
Advice for members of the public
If you think someone is having a seizure, always dial 999 so they can advise on whether an ambulance is necessary.
Advice for friends, families, carers
If you are aware of a person’s medical history and how long their seizures generally last, you may not need to call an ambulance. However, if a person is injured or their seizure does not resolve as usual, or it lasts for five minutes or longer, you should always call an ambulance as above.