Diastat Training for Non-Licensed Staff 8/08

What is Diastat? Diastat is: A medication used to stop seizure activity A form of diazepam in a gel preparation Administered rectally from a pre-measured syringe

When Do We Use Diastat Seizures that last more than a few minutes have the potential to be harmful Students with Diastat orders have a specific protocol for when to administer it written by their neurologist Although protocols are student specific and vary, generally Diastat is administered if the seizure has lasted between 5-10 minutes or there has been a cluster of several seizures

Your Responsibilities Know which students have seizures Know what they look like, what is typical, what is not typical Know what types of care each student needs for his/her seizures Know what medications each student takes for prolonged seizures Know where to find each student’s seizure protocol and medications such as Diastat Check the Diastat daily Contact Health Services immediately if the student is close to the criteria for Diastat

Calling 7800 Call 7800, the Health Services Emergency Line to obtain assistance Mon-Fri 8-4:30 Tell the nurse who answers: The student’s name The exact location When the seizure began When the protocol indicates to administer the Diastat Anything unusual including injuries Remember that the nurse may not be your program nurse so the more information you give the better, including directions to your location If possible send someone to find and direct the nurse to the location

Diastat and the Diastat Protocol must be kept with the student at all times

Who Administers Diastat Diastat is administered as much as possible by a nurse during hours when Health Services is open Diastat may only be administered by staff trained and cleared by Health Services

How to Administer Check the 5 Rights Before Administering right student right medication right dose right route right time: based up the seizure protocol

Diastat Accudial has a green ready band set by the pharmacy, make sure you see this green band before giving Wear gloves Ensure the student’s privacy with a blanket, screen, closed door, or removing others from the area

Have the student lying on his/her side Remove cap, apply lubricating gel to tip Insert into rectum Push plunger in slowly while counting to 3 Hold in rectum while counting to 3 Remove and hold buttocks together Continue to observe the student

Common Diastat Adverse Effects Drowsiness Dizziness Changes in Breathing, especially slowed breathing

What Do We Do After Diastat is Administered When Health Services is Open: Allow the student to rest comfortably and privately Monitor the student closely for 4 hours Monitor for drowsiness, unsteadiness, changes in facial color, slowing of breathing, further seizure activity Contact #7800 if there are concerns about the student’s condition, or if seizures recur

When Health Services is not open: Contact Nurse on Call, Residential Supervisor and AEC Call 911 for further evaluation and transportation to emergency room if necessary When Off Grounds: Contact Health Services and appropriate supervision

Additional Information Check the student’s bag daily to be sure the Diastat is present Check the Diastat to be sure the expiration date on the label is not expired Have Health Services check in the Diastat and label it Diastat must be counted daily and extras kept in the locked cabinet in the med room