Assessment and treatment priorities

After performing a primary survey, the medics priorities for assessment and treatment of the seizure patient are:

1. Determine if the patient is experiencing a status seizure. If the patient is still seizure by the time the ambulance makes it on scene, it’s a status seizure and requires an ALS response so a paramedic can give a benzodiazepine.
2. Administer oxygen to decrease post ictal phase time.
3. Explain the seizure by inquiring about history and medication compliance.
4. If the seizure is not readily explainable, then attempt to determine the underlying cause of the seizure by using the SPASTIC pneumonic.