fever-febrile-convulsions

A febrile convulsion is a seizure or fit when children have a high fever. It can happen to children aged 6 months to 6 years.

It's a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, that may vary from muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions.

They are common and usually last no more than 5 minutes, followed by drowsiness. They can last a few seconds or up to 15 minutes.

A febrile convulsion is not epilepsy and does not cause brain damage.

Start with DRSABCD

D - Danger

Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.

R - Response

Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.

If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide

If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan

Follow Action Plan

First aid for seizures

If the child's temperature doesn't stop rising, the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or they keep happening – call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

In the meantime, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Lay them on the floor

Stay calm and don't panic
Gently place the child on the ground
Remove any objects that they could knock themselves against
Don't try to stop the child from shaking

Step 2: Place in the recovery position

Once convulsions has stopped, place them in the recovery position
Remove any excess clothing to cool them down
Don't try to cool them down using a sponge, ice or bath

Step 3: Monitor their symptoms

Note the times that it started and stopped and seek medical advice from a doctor
Stay with the child until they wake up
Monitor their breathing and keep them cool. If they lose consciousness or aren't breathing properly, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan