Epilepsy and Administration of Buccal Midazolam Training
Epilepsy is far more common than many people realise, affecting over 600,000 people in the UK, around one in every hundred individuals. The severity of epilepsy varies widely. For some, it can be well controlled with anti-seizure medication and lifestyle management, while for others, it can have a serious impact on health, wellbeing, and independence. In the most severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. Understanding epilepsy, and knowing how to respond effectively, is vital for anyone working in the healthcare or social care sector.
Why Epilepsy Awareness and Emergency Seizure Medication Training Matters
A range of treatments can help manage epilepsy, including rescue medications, now often referred to as Emergency Seizure Medications. These are used when someone experiences a prolonged or cluster seizure. Such treatments are potentially life-saving, but they must only be administered by trained, competent professionals.
One of the most effective and widely accepted rescue medications is Buccal Midazolam. Whether you are a commissioner, manager, or support worker, it’s essential to understand how this medicine works and to complete accredited Buccal Midazolam training. This ensures you can respond quickly, confidently, and safely during an epileptic seizure.
What Is Buccal Midazolam?
Buccal Midazolam refers both to the medicine (Midazolam) and the route by which it is given (buccal, meaning between the cheek and gum). Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that helps stop seizures by calming overactive electrical activity in the brain. Midazolam can be administered in several ways, including:
- Orally
- Intranasally (via the nose)
- Intramuscularly (via injection into a muscle)
- Intravenously (directly into a vein)
However, for the emergency treatment of prolonged or cluster seizures, and to prevent or treat status epilepticus, Buccal administration is widely recognised as the most effective and socially acceptable first-line method for managing prolonged or repeated (cluster) seizures.
Other emergency seizure medications include Rectal Diazepam, other benzodiazepines, and highly specialised treatments such as Rectal Paraldehyde.
Our Buccal Midazolam Training Course can be tailored to include these alternative emergency seizure medications, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive understanding of all relevant treatments, not just Buccal Midazolam.
How Is Buccal Midazolam Administered?
As the name suggests, Buccal Midazolam is administered buccally, the liquid is placed between the cheek and gum using a pre-filled syringe. It does not involve a needle. This method is considered one of the safest and most comfortable ways to administer epilepsy rescue medication, offering a dignified and effective alternative to rectal or oral treatments.
Overview of the Administration Process
Buccal Midazolam is supplied in a pre-filled syringe, with the prescribed dose depending on the individual’s age, weight, and clinical assessment. When a seizure occurs and the person is not at immediate risk of injury, you should:
- Check the prescribed dose and expiry date on the syringe.
- Follow the seizure action plan or protocol.
- Administer slowly, placing half of the dose between the cheek and gum on each side.
The main goal during administration is to ensure correct administration and prevent choking or aspiration. Administering the medication slowly and evenly helps reduce this risk and supports the safe resolution of the seizure. Buccal Midazolam should always be stored safely on site and easily accessible in an emergency.
Our Buccal Midazolam Administration Training Course explores this process in detail, with practical demonstrations, scenario-based learning, and guidance on how to handle potential complications.
Who Needs Buccal Midazolam Administration Training?
Administering Buccal Midazolam is a critical component of seizure first aid. Even if seizures are rare in your setting, knowing how to respond can be life-saving.
This training is essential for:
- Healthcare professionals in hospitals, hospices, and clinics
- Care home staff and support workers
- Teachers and education support staff in schools or colleges
- Managers and commissioners overseeing care or clinical services
In today’s care environment, professionals with broad, up-to-date clinical skills are in high demand. Our courses help you build competence, maintain compliance, and deliver safe, person-centred care.
What Does Our Buccal Midazolam Training Course Include?
We believe that context and engagement are key to effective learning. Unlike many providers who focus narrowly on the mechanics of administration, our course covers the full picture:
- Understanding epilepsy and seizure types
- Recognising early warning signs
- Responding safely and effectively during a seizure
- Administering Buccal Midazolam and managing complications
- Understanding related emergency seizure medications
- Legal, ethical, and documentation requirements
Our training is highly interactive and practical, combining expert instruction with hands-on demonstrations. This approach helps learners retain knowledge and apply it confidently in real-world scenarios.
If your team has already completed Epilepsy Awareness Training, Buccal Midazolam Administration can also be delivered as a stand-alone module. This condensed version focuses on the practical administration element, saving time while maintaining accreditation and compliance.
Why Choose Our Buccal Midazolam Training?
Our courses are delivered by experienced clinical educators with extensive knowledge of epilepsy care and emergency medication administration. Training content is regularly updated in line with the latest guidance from organisations such as the Epilepsy Nurses Association (ESNA) and NICE.
This ensures that the knowledge and certification you receive are current, credible, and compliant with UK standards.
Upon completion, learners receive a recognised certificate, demonstrating competence and confidence in administering Buccal Midazolam safely and effectively.
Book Your Buccal Midazolam Training Today
If your organisation supports individuals with epilepsy, our Buccal Midazolam Administration Training provides the practical skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in an emergency.
Contact us today to learn more about this course or explore our wider range of clinical skills and first aid training options. We’re here to help your team stay safe, compliant, and ready to act when it matters most.