How should I manage a child presenting with a febrile seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes?

Manage a child with a febrile seizure lasting longer than five minutes as follows:

• Call an emergency ambulance immediately to ensure urgent medical assessment and treatment.
• If the child has been previously advised by a specialist and has prescribed benzodiazepine rescue medication for recurrent febrile seizures, administer this medication promptly. Options include buccal midazolam or rectal diazepam.
• Follow the specialist’s instructions regarding dosing and timing of repeat doses of benzodiazepine rescue medication if the seizure continues.
• Do not restrain the child or put anything in their mouth during the seizure.
• Protect the child from injury by cushioning their head and removing nearby harmful objects, but do not move the child unless they are in immediate danger.
• Once the seizure stops, place the child in the recovery position and monitor until fully recovered.

These steps are critical to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment of prolonged febrile seizures.