Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the UK, affecting around 600,000 people according to the NHS. That means roughly 1 in every 100 people live with epilepsy, and many more, families, educators, carers, and healthcare professionals, are affected indirectly. With around 87 people diagnosed each day, epilepsy awareness training is not only beneficial but essential across workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings.
In this detailed guide, we explore what epilepsy awareness training involves, who it is for, why it matters, and how you can access high-quality training through providers such as Safe Sure Care.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Not all seizures are epileptic in nature, but when someone experiences multiple unprovoked seizures, they may be diagnosed with epilepsy. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or health status.
Are Epilepsy and Seizures the Same?
This is a common misconception. A seizure is a symptom, a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels, moves, behaves, or becomes aware of their surroundings. Epilepsy, meanwhile, is a chronic condition where seizures occur repeatedly without identifiable triggers.
Not everyone who experiences a seizure has epilepsy. Seizures can also be caused by fever (febrile seizures), alcohol or drug withdrawal, or head injuries. Understanding this distinction is foundational in epilepsy training.
Why Does Epilepsy Happen?
There are multiple causes of epilepsy, including:
Genetic predisposition
Brain injury (trauma, stroke, tumour)
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
Developmental disorders
In around 50% of cases, no definitive cause is identified, this is known as idiopathic epilepsy. According to Epilepsy Action, research continues into understanding the underlying neurological mechanisms and triggers.
Can Epilepsy Be Cured?
Epilepsy cannot currently be cured in most cases, but it can be well-managed. Around 70% of people with epilepsy can become seizure-free with appropriate anti-epileptic medication (NHS). Other treatment approaches include:
Surgical intervention (for focal epilepsy)
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Ketogenic diet (effective particularly in children)
Seizure-tracking apps and wearable tech
These advances are regularly covered in modern epilepsy training courses to ensure up-to-date understanding.
What Is Epilepsy Awareness Training?
Epilepsy awareness training is designed to give learners the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to effectively support individuals with epilepsy, particularly during seizures.
Safe Sure Care’s Epilepsy Awareness and Rescue Medication Training is a comprehensive course that covers:
An overview of epilepsy and seizure types
First aid for seizures
Emergency medication training
Legal and workplace responsibilities
Recording and responding to seizure incidents
The course is ideal for those in:
Education settings (Epilepsy training for schools and teachers)
Healthcare (Epilepsy training for nurses, primary care teams)
Care and support (Carers, support workers, social workers)
Home settings (Epilepsy training for parents and guardians)
Workplaces (HR professionals, employers)
What Do You Learn in Epilepsy Training?
The course is packed with essential information, including:
A detailed explanation of the five main types of seizures:
Tonic-clonic: Most well-known, involving convulsions and unconsciousness
Focal (partial): Localised symptoms such as muscle twitching or confusion
Absence: Often seen in children; brief lapses in awareness
Myoclonic: Sudden jerks or twitches of muscles
Atonic: Sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls
Recognising signs of status epilepticus: a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without full recovery between them, which requires urgent medical help
Seizure management training: Steps to keep the individual safe and what not to do during a seizure
Introduction to rescue medication such as Buccal Midazolam: when and how to administer it safely
Understanding and applying the 3 S's for seizure response:
Stay with the person
Safe: keep the person and surroundings safe
Side: turn onto their side once the seizure ends
Understanding the 3 C's of epilepsy first aid:
Care for the individual
Cushion their head to prevent injury
Clear obstacles from the surrounding area
How Long Does Epilepsy Training Last?
Safe Sure Care’s course typically runs for 3–4 hours and is designed to fit within a half-day training session. It can be delivered in person or online, depending on your organisation’s needs.
How Often Should Epilepsy Training Be Refreshed?
The recommended frequency for epilepsy training refresher sessions is every 12 to 24 months, particularly if staff are responsible for administering emergency medication. Refresher training ensures compliance with:
Why is Epilepsy Training Important?
Epilepsy training delivers wide-reaching benefits, including:
Improved response times in emergencies
Reduced injury risk during seizures
Increased confidence in staff and carers
Fulfilment of legal duties around reasonable adjustments and duty of care
Improved wellbeing and inclusion for those with epilepsy
Key benefits for teachers / schools:
Meet statutory safeguarding duties; enable safer learning environments
Parents / Guardians:
Reduce fear; gain hands-on emergency skills
Nurses / Primary Care:
Ensure protocol compliance and consistent care
Support Workers:
Manage complex needs in residential or supported living
HR / Employers:
Comply with legislation; protect staff and reputational risk
Legal Frameworks and Statutory Requirements
Professionals should be aware of:
The Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals with epilepsy as a disability
NICE clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing epilepsy
HSE workplace obligations, particularly where staff are expected to manage medical emergencies
Statutory requirements for schools to create care plans for children with medical needs
Who Should Attend Epilepsy Awareness Training?
While mandatory for anyone administering emergency medication, epilepsy awareness training is strongly recommended for:
School staff (SENCOs, TAs, teachers)
Healthcare providers
Foster carers
Day centre and respite workers
Public-facing employees (e.g., transport, leisure)
HR managers and inclusion leads
Innovation and the Future of Epilepsy Care
Recent developments enhancing epilepsy care include:
Smartwatches and AI detection tools
Cloud-connected medication monitoring platforms
Community trials for neurostimulation implants
These advancements offer new tools for caregivers and are increasingly referenced in training programs.
Book Your Epilepsy Awareness Training Today
Whether you're a teacher, nurse, parent, or HR professional, epilepsy training is a crucial step in promoting safe, inclusive environments. Safe Sure Care’s course is designed to meet both practical and legal standards, offering peace of mind, enhanced confidence, and lifesaving skills.
For more support, explore resources from:
Share this post: