active Check to include Clear and return to menu Close Closed captions. Press the spacebar to toggle captions on and off. Continue Continue Exit Filter FINISH finish Definition definition Glossary Terms Menu Please rotate your device NEXT next Notes Notes Bio More info Captions pause play Send an email PREV previous Question List replay Resources resources Restart Resume Search... search Search in: Search Results Skip navigation. Press enter to return to the slide. Slide Text SUBMIT ALL submit all SUBMIT submit volume <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Welcome to the training module for Supporting Students with Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>This training module is intended for all Halton District School Board personnel, and fulfils the requirements outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 161: SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND STUDENTS WITH PREVALENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>This online training module compliments the HDSB Administrative Procedure: Supporting Students with Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder. The Administrative Procedure outlines the roles and responsibilities of students, families, school staff and the Halton District School Board as we work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students with seizure disorders. This administrative procedure can be found on myHDSB.ca under Student Health. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>This training module is intended to provide background information about epilepsy, and seizure disorders, as well as outline necessary first aid steps to support a student in the event of a seizure emergencies. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting the nervous system, specifically the brain. Epilepsy is a condition in which a person has had at least one unprovoked seizure and demonstrates a pathologic tendency to have recurrent seizures. This tendency is determined through clinical assessment and investigations. The underlying cause for recurrent seizures, or epilepsy, can be varied and include, but not limited to, genetically determined conditions such as Angelman syndrome or one of many epilepsy syndromes and/or brain structure abnormalities for a variety of different reasons (such as trauma/injury/bleeds). </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Epilepsy is the diagnosis and seizures are the symptom. Seizures can also be a symptom of other medical conditions affecting the central nervous system such as low blood sugar, infections, acute trauma/injury, and metabolic or immune disorders. Seizures vary in form, strength, and frequency, depending on where in the brain abnormal activity is found. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Epilepsy affects over 300,000 Canadians and approximately 1 in 100 Canadian students. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>For students with epilepsy the social anxiety and stigma, and sometimes even the overprotectiveness of caregivers can be more worrying than the seizures. While most students manage their epilepsy with medication, and if possible avoiding triggers, such as stress, seizures often occur for unknown and unpredictable reasons. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>While epilepsy, and epilepsy medication, can sometimes affect a student's learning and memory, students with epilepsy grow and develop normally and can take part in all regular school activities, including physical activity. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>The Halton District School Board Administrative Procedure: Supporting Students with Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder, along with additional resources, are available on the Student Health page of myHDSB.ca. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Ongoing communication between the school, the student and the family is essential when a student is diagnosed with epilepsy and is starting school. Families will work with the school to create an individualized Plan of Care for their child. The plan will include support strategies and ways to accommodate students so they can participate to their full potential in school activities. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>For school based personnel who are identified members of a ‘Care Team’ for a student with Epilepsy, student specific training will be provided at the school level. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder, which means that different students experience a wide range in the types and frequency of seizures, which are defined by the student's level of awareness, and physical movements during the seizure. For example seizures can range from a prolonged stare in which the student is fully aware, to a loss of awareness, physical convulsions, or their whole-body becoming stiff. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>The individual characteristics of a student’s seizure are best understood by family and caregivers. The individualized Plan of Care document for a student will capture the specifics details for each student and provide guidance for responding to the student in the event of a seizure episode. </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>The individualized response to a seizure emergency is detailed in the student’s Plan of Care document. Staff who are in direct contact with the student, and those identified on the student’s School Care Team, shall review and be trained on the individual Plan of Care. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>In the case of an emergency related to epilepsy, school staff should refer to the student’s individualized Plan of Care. The goals in responding to a seizure emergency are to stay calm and keep the student safe until they are fully aware. An overview of basic first aid in response to a seizure emergency is outlined here. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Keep calm. Track the time and duration of the seizure. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Keep the student safe. Protect the student’s head. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Do not restrain or interfere with the student’s movements. Roll the individual onto their side as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Clear the area. Ensure there is nothing nearby that could the student. This also includes clearing the space of other students, or staff not helping with the emergency. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Administer emergency medication as outlined in the student’s Plan of Care. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Monitor breathing. DO NOT place anything in the person’s mouth as this can become a choking hazard. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>And finally, </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Stay with the student until fully conscious, talking with them calmly until re-oriented, and allow them to rest before returning to regular activities. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'> </textformat></html> <html><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>In addition to the specifics detailed in the Epilepsy and Seizure Plan of Care, it is considered a emergency when a seizure occurs in any of the following instances: </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>A student is not diagnosed with epilepsy or any other other seizure disorder. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>A Student is injured or has diabetes. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>A Student has difficulty breathing. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>A Student has a seizure in water. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>In the event of a seizure emergency requiring Emergency Medical Services as outlined in this list, staff will: </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Call 9-1-1 immediately. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Tell them someone is having a seizure. </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Call, or direct another adult to call, the emergency contact person </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>Transport the student to the hospital by ambulance </textformat><textformat leading='0' tabstops='[0, 48, 96, 144]'>When in doubt in any circumstance involving seizures, all staff are directed to call 9-1-1. </textformat></html>