Why Your Managers and First Aiders Should Be Trained in Epilepsy Awareness

Epilepsy affects approximately 1 in every 100 people in the UK, and seizures can happen anywhere, including the workplace. Yet many employees and even managers feel unprepared or unsure of how to respond when someone has a seizure. Training your managers and first aiders in epilepsy awareness isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessary component of a truly inclusive, safe, and confident working environment.

The Case for Manager Training

Managers are in a unique position. They support individual employees on a day-to-day basis and help shape workplace culture from the top down. When an employee discloses their epilepsy, it’s often the manager who is first to respond. Proper training helps ensure that response is informed, respectful, and constructive.

A trained manager will:

• Understand the different types of epilepsy and seizure presentations
• Know how to have supportive conversations with employees around disclosure
• Be aware of the legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010
• Know how to initiate a workplace risk assessment and provide reasonable adjustments
• Lead inclusively and break down stigma within teams

Managers also play a key role in monitoring staff wellbeing, planning return-to-work conversations after absence, and ensuring action plans are followed through. Without adequate knowledge, even the most well-meaning manager might overlook important steps or cause unintentional harm.

The Role of First Aiders

First aiders are the frontline responders in any emergency. In the event of a seizure, their actions can significantly affect the outcome. Training first aiders in seizure response means they can act quickly, calmly, and appropriately.

First aiders trained in epilepsy will know how to:

• Recognise different seizure types (e.g. tonic-clonic, focal, absence)
• Respond safely without restraining the individual
• Time the seizure and monitor its length and intensity
• Provide reassurance during the recovery phase
• Know when emergency services need to be called (e.g. if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or is the person’s first seizure)
• Complete incident reports accurately

Their calm and informed response not only supports the person having a seizure but reassures other staff who may witness the incident.

What Epilepsy Awareness Training Should Include

Comprehensive epilepsy training for managers and first aiders should cover:

• What epilepsy is and the types of seizures
• Common seizure triggers and how to identify them
• Legal rights and employer responsibilities under the Equality Act
• Seizure first aid and when to escalate to emergency services
• How to complete seizure action plans and risk assessments
• Addressing stigma and supporting wellbeing
• Case studies and roleplays to build confidence

Training should be interactive and regularly refreshed. It can be delivered in-person or online, and ideally tailored to your specific workplace risks and roles.

The Business Case for Training

There are clear benefits to providing epilepsy training:

• Compliance: You meet legal obligations and reduce the risk of liability.
• Confidence: Staff are more prepared to act, reducing panic and misinformation.
• Inclusion: Employees with epilepsy feel supported, respected, and valued.
• Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with a supportive employer.
• Reputation: Your organisation is seen as a forward-thinking, inclusive place to work.

Training as Part of a Broader Strategy

Epilepsy awareness training shouldn’t exist in isolation. It works best when embedded within a wider culture of health and inclusion. That means:

• Incorporating epilepsy into induction and regular CPD
• Including it in first aid and wellbeing programmes
• Encouraging open communication and employee networks
• Reviewing your policies, signage, and emergency procedures

Final Thoughts

Training your managers and first aiders in epilepsy awareness is an investment in safety, inclusion, and leadership. It empowers your people to respond appropriately, helps employees with epilepsy to thrive, and demonstrates your commitment to creating a truly accessible workplace.

Whether you choose internal training, external providers, or a blended approach, make sure your team is equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need. Contact National Epilepsy Training to get advice and guidance or enquire about our range of training courses.