Professionals

Trainings for Professionals

An important way to improve safety and quality of life for people with epilepsy is to make sure that professionals such as school nurses and other school staff, law enforcement, first responders, and childcare workers understand epilepsy and how to offer first aid.

CDC supports these training programs for professionals through a partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation.

For School Staff

Managing Students with Seizures: A School Nurse Training Program

School nurses play an important role in recognizing and managing seizures at school. This program provides school nurses the knowledge and skills they need to provide care to students with epilepsy, and also to train other school staff. The training is available in person through local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates or online. The course provides nurses with 3.2 FREE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through a partnership with the CDC.

In 2011, this program received a recognition award from the National Association of School Nurses.

Seizure Training for School Personnel

This program provides teachers and other school personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize seizures, respond with appropriate first aid, and understand the impact seizures have on students. It is for elementary, middle, and secondary school staff, including teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, security guards, custodians, or other school staff that may come in contact with students. It is offered in person through local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates and online, and offers FREE CEUs through a partnership with CDC.

Take Charge of the Storm and Take Charge of the Facts

The Take Charge of the Facts and Take Charge of the Storm programs teach middle and high school students about seizures and epilepsy, teach appropriate first aid, and help reduce the stigma associated with the condition. Take Charge of the Facts is appropriate for high school students and incorporates epilepsy information into lesson plans for health education, history or language arts classes. Take Charge of the Storm is intended for middle school students, and includes a game and supplemental materials for the students. Program materials are available free of charge from the Epilepsy Foundation through the link above.

For Law Enforcement and First Responders

First Responder Training

This program teaches law enforcement and other emergency personnel how to recognize and provide first aid to someone having a seizure and provides tips for reducing injuries. This training is critical to the safety of someone with epilepsy, because first responders may confuse seizures with aggressive or noncompliant behavior. It is offered in person through local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates and online, and offers FREE CEUs.

For Childcare Personnel

Seizure Training for Childcare Personnel

This program teaches childcare providers about proper seizure first aid for young children. Childcare providers who complete this training will be able to recognize common seizure types and their possible impact on children; identify and apply appropriate first aid; recognize when a seizure is a medical emergency; and show social and academic support. Program materials are available from the Epilepsy Foundation through the link above.

 

For Older Adult Caregivers

Seniors and Seizures Training

This training provides caregivers and staff of adult day care centers, senior centers, long-term facilities, nursing homes, and other older adult-serving organizations with strategies to better recognize and respond to seizures among older adults. The training is offered online or through in-person trainings conducted by local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates. Free continuing education credits are available through a partnership with CDC.

View more Resources for Professionals.

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