The Level of Public’s Practical Skills in Provision of First Aid to Patients with Major Epileptic Seizure

. Despite the significant progress in medicine, epilepsy is still a severe medical and social problem. It is the most common primary chronic neurological disease; it is of various aetiology, course and treatment, affecting people of all genders, age, race or social status. Aim . The article aims at verification of basic public’s knowledge about the disease of epilepsy and identification of the extent of capabilities of general and professional public in helping a patient with a major epileptic seizure. Material and Methods . Quantitative study using questionnaire and experiment. The study included a total of 200 respondents from general (GP) and professional non-medical public (CW). Results . 39% of GP respondents and 54% of CW respondents were capable of providing first aid. The most frequent mistake was forcing an object into the mouth in 17% of GP and 10% of CW. In the GP group, the level of skills significantly depends on respondents’ gender (p = 0.028), age (p = 0.012) and education (p = 0.003). Attainment of first aid course does not play a role in the level of knowledge and skills. In the CW group, significant results were found between evaluation of first aid provision and the age of respondents (p = 0.032) and provision of first aid and the category of health care workers (p = 0.014). Conclusions . Respondents’ basic knowledge and practical skills show signs of insufficiency. First aid courses need to be repeated regularly. (JNNN 2019;8(2):54–61)