Essential Components of a Seizure Precaution Letter for School
A comprehensive seizure precaution letter for a student with a seizure disorder should include specific information about the student's condition, emergency response protocols, and contact information to ensure proper care during a seizure event.
Student Information Section
- Student's full name, grade, classroom/teacher
- Type of seizure disorder diagnosed
- Typical seizure presentation (what the seizure looks like)
- Average duration of typical seizures
- Frequency of seizures
- Known seizure triggers (if any)
Seizure Recognition and First Aid Instructions
- Detailed description of the student's seizure manifestations
- Step-by-step instructions for first aid during a seizure, including:
- Help the student to the ground if standing
- Place the student on their side in the recovery position
- Clear the area around the student to prevent injury 1
- Time the seizure from beginning to end
- Stay with the student throughout the seizure 1
- DO NOT restrain the student during a seizure 1
- DO NOT put anything in the student's mouth 1
- DO NOT give food, liquids, or oral medications during or immediately after a seizure 1
Emergency Response Protocol
- Clear criteria for when to call 911/activate EMS, including:
- First-time seizure
- Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes
- Multiple seizures without return to baseline mental status
- Seizures occurring in water
- Seizures with traumatic injuries
- Seizures with difficulty breathing or choking
- If the student does not return to baseline within 5-10 minutes after seizure stops 1
Rescue Medication Information
- Name of prescribed rescue medication (if applicable)
- Dosage instructions
- Location of medication at school
- Who is authorized to administer the medication
- Step-by-step instructions for administration
- Expected effects and potential side effects 2
Post-Seizure Care
- Expected post-seizure behavior (typical postictal state)
- Instructions for recovery period care
- When the student can return to class activities
- Circumstances requiring parent notification even if emergency services are not needed
Contact Information
- Parent/guardian emergency phone numbers
- Healthcare provider contact information
- Backup emergency contacts 1
Additional Accommodations
- Any specific classroom accommodations needed
- Physical activity restrictions or modifications (if any)
- Academic accommodations following a seizure event
- Privacy considerations
Authorization Section
- Parent/guardian signature
- Healthcare provider signature
- School nurse/administrator signature
- Date of plan implementation and review date
- HIPAA/FERPA release for communication between school and healthcare team 1
Important Considerations
- The letter should be updated at least annually or whenever there are changes in the student's condition or treatment plan
- Copies should be provided to all relevant school personnel, including teachers, school nurse, administrators, and staff supervising extracurricular activities
- Training should be provided to school staff on seizure recognition and first aid 3
- The letter should be incorporated into the student's Section 504 Plan or IEP if applicable 1
School Staff Training Recommendations
- All school staff should receive basic seizure awareness training (Level 1)
- Staff directly responsible for the student should receive more comprehensive training (Level 2)
- Selected staff should receive training on emergency medication administration (Level 3) 1
This structured approach ensures that school personnel have the necessary information and training to respond appropriately to a seizure event, potentially reducing morbidity and improving outcomes for students with seizure disorders.