WOULD your readers know what to do if they saw someone having a seizure?

Would they know what was happening and how to help?

One-in-100 people in the UK have epilepsy.

For National Epilepsy Week - May 20 to May 26 - we are encouraging everyone to step up and learn how to keep someone with epilepsy safe when they have a seizure.

Recent statistics reveal that 36% of the public would be unsure or unwilling to help somebody having a seizure.

A further 57% admit they have little to no knowledge about epilepsy.

Helping someone who is having a seizure is simpler than people think.

Staying with someone, protecting them from further harm, and calling for help if it’s needed, are three vital steps.

If in doubt, always call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Epilepsy Action has created first-aid cards that people can order in time for National Epilepsy Week.

They fit neatly into a purse or wallet so people can always have information handy. Posters are also readily available to be displayed in public places, such as schools, workplaces or waiting rooms. People can order these free of charge and find out more at epilepsy.org.uk/epilepsyweek Your readers’ support could be life-saving.

Phillip Lee, Epilepsy Action chief executive.