Massachusetts Protocols
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Section 1: General Patient Care
Section 2: Medical Protocols
Section 3: Cardiac Emergencies
Section 4: Trauma Protocols
Section 5: Airway Protocols & Procedures
Section 6: Medical Director Options
Section 7: Medical Policies & Procedures
Section 8: Special Operations Principles
Appendices
2.14 - Poisoning / Substance Abuse / OverdosePrev

2.15A - Seizures

EMT-Basic (Standing Orders)

  • 1.0 Routine Patient Care
  • Manage hypoglycemia and narcotic overdose per protocol.
  • Consider eclampsia in a woman of childbearing age

  • CAUTION: Do NOT administer anything orally if the patient does not have a reasonable level of consciousness and normal gag reflex.

EMT-Advanced (Standing Orders)

  • If Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat) has been prescribed by the patient’s physician, assist the caregiver with administration in accordance with physician’s instructions.
  • If the patient has an implanted vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), suggest that the family use the VNS magnet to activate the VNS and assist if required.
    • To use the VNS magnet, pass the magnet closely over the VNS device; if unsuccessful, repeat every 3-5 minutes for a total of 3 times.

    • Note: Do not delay medication administration.

EMT-Paramedic (Standing Orders)

  • Cardiac Monitor and if feasible 12 lead ECG – Manage dysrhythmias per protocol.
  • If patient is in Status Epilepticus
    • Midazolam 2 - 6 mg slow IV/IO/IM
    • OR
    • Midazolam 10 mg IN
    • Magnesium sulfate 2-4 grams IV/IO over 5 minutes if suspect eclampsia

EMT-Paramedic (Medical Control)

Additional doses of above medications.
Caution:
Benzodiazepines may be contraindicated in head injury or hypotension; discuss with medical control.
Note:
  • Post-partum patients may experience eclamptic seizures up to several weeks after giving birth.
  • Status epilepticus is defined as any generalized seizures lasting more than 5 minutes. This is a true emergency requiring rapid airway control, treatment (including benzodiazepines), and transport.
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