Knowledge of pedagogical workers to provide the first aid for children with epilepsy.

Theoretical assumptions Epilepsy belongs to one of the most common neurological disorders. People usually have their first epileptic seizure at about the age of 20. As the age group mostly in danger of a seizure occurrence are the children of a school age, it is vital to study this disorderamong this particular group. As childrenspend a lot of time with their school staff, it is consequently very likely that a seizure happens at school. This bachelor thesis analyses the knowledge and experience of educators in the area of the first aid for children with epilepsy. The theoretical part deals with the history of epilepsy - its definition, causes, the types of epileptic seizures and epilepsy syndromes. It also describes the crucialrole of a nurse in diagnosing epileptic seizures. Furthermore, it analyses the epilepsy treatment and primarily focuses on seizure first aid, medication and types connected to this disorder. As is also set out in this thesis, the professional qualification of a nurse gives him or her the opportunity to educate others about this disorder and disorder-related practices. The thesis also studies the available information about children suffering from this disorder and the ways educators are being prepared for working with these children in the course of their university studies and following professional life. The last part describes the role of a school nurse; a functionessential for school life nurses provide in foreign countries, but one which is wholly absent in Czech Republic. The aim of this thesis This bachelor thesis aims to analyse the knowledge of educators in the area of first aid for children with epilepsy.This aim is interconnected with a research question that attempts to establish the knowledge of educators about first aid for children with epilepsy. Methodology My research was based on a quantitative analysis of anonymous questionnaires that had been distributed, with the oral approval of directors of said elementary schools, amongst nine elementary schools in the South-Bohemian Region (in the cities of Písek and České Budějovice). I have distributed 225 questionnaires andthe return rate was 166 questionnaires. Respondents were supposed to answer 22 questions (the aim of two questions was to achieve personal identification).My research was conducted in February 2014. The acquired data was analysed with statistical methods and appropriate statistical tools (determined averages and percentages) and the results were clearly demonstrated through graphs. Results While the conclusion of the data acquired from respondents was that the educators have sufficient knowledge in the area of seizure first aid, it was also revealed that they are not well acquainted with medication and its application used in seizure first aid. Even though the educators are (to a great deal) acquainted with first aid procedures, the majority of them is interested in improving their knowledge of first aid. Conclusions This research answers the set research question. Educators have sufficient knowledge of first aid procedures; however, they are not acquainted with a proper medication and its use. Taking into account the active interest of educators in first aid training, a nurse may organise theoretical and practical first aid sessions focused on children epilepsy seizure first aid to introduce further cooperation with elementary school teachers. While for the majority of people is the profession of a nurse connected to hospitals, her or his role is much more far-reaching. Many professional roles of a nurse are easily applicable outside hospitals - for example in schools a nurse may find him/herself involved in a variety of functions in education, prevention and distribution of information about child daily regime measures