((If trainee does not check BGL within first 2 minutes: patient's GCS drops to 7 and airway becomes increasingly obstructed by secretions โ prompt trainee to perform BGL as part of full vital signs survey.))
((If trainee does not apply oxygen within 3 minutes: SpO2 drops to 88% on room air and respiratory rate decreases to 8 โ prompt trainee to address breathing and apply supplemental oxygen.))
((If trainee attempts to force an OPA into a clenched jaw or force anything into the patient's mouth during active seizure: facilitator advises this causes injury and directs trainee to use an NPA instead and suction if required.))
((If lateral position is not applied while patient remains unresponsive: patient produces audible gurgling from saliva pooling โ prompt trainee to position patient appropriately to maintain airway.))
((If BGL is identified as 3.6 mmol/L and glucose gel is not considered: facilitator prompts trainee to reassess BGL against the 4 mmol/L treatment threshold.))
This patient is suffering from a generalised tonic-clonic seizure (now post-ictal) in the context of known epilepsy, likely precipitated by missed anticonvulsant medication, physical exertion, and mild hypoglycaemia.
- Ensure scene safety โ clear bystanders from immediate area, ensure patient is away from hard or sharp objects.
- Protect patient from injury โ place padding beneath head, do not restrain limbs.
- Complete Primary Survey โ open and clear airway using suction to clear saliva pooling in oropharynx.
- Insert nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) โ preferred over OPA given risk of trismus in post-ictal state; do not attempt to force OPA into clenched jaw.
- Place patient in lateral position (recovery position) โ to facilitate drainage of secretions and protect airway while unresponsive.
- Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask (NRB) at 10โ15 L/min โ titrate to target SpO2 94โ98%.
- Perform full Vital Signs Survey โ GCS, BGL, SpO2, pulse oximetry, temperature, RR, BP, HR.
- Assess BGL โ result 3.6 mmol/L is below 4 mmol/L threshold. As patient is currently GCS 9 and cannot safely ingest orally, do NOT administer glucose oral gel at this stage; reassess GCS before considering oral glucose โ monitor closely and reassess in 5 minutes as GCS improves.
- Obtain SAMPLE history from husband via phone โ confirm known epilepsy, sodium valproate, missed morning dose.
- Record and repeat vital signs every 10 minutes (or 5 minutes if patient remains time critical).
- Complete Secondary Survey once seizure has terminated and patient is sufficiently responsive โ assess knee abrasion, manage with wound dressing and direct pressure as required.
- Reassess GCS at 10 minutes โ as GCS improves to 13 and patient can safely ingest orally, administer Glucose Oral Gel 15g orally and follow up with complex carbohydrates once fully conscious.
- Manage knee abrasion โ irrigate with sterile NaCl 0.9%, apply non-adherent dressing and crepe bandage.
- Continue to monitor for further seizure activity โ repeat seizure or prolonged seizure (>5 minutes) indicates Priority 1 transport and pre-notification of receiving facility.
- Request ambulance for transport to hospital โ seizure in a patient with known epilepsy warrants ED review, particularly given missed medication and hypoglycaemia.
- Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
- Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.
Clinical references: Seizures ยท Hypoglycaemia ยท Glucose Oral Gel ยท Oxygen ยท Suction ยท Nasopharyngeal Airway ยท Lateral Position ยท Blood Glucose Monitor ยท Primary Survey ยท Secondary & CNS Survey ยท Minor Wound Management