Seizure First Aid

November 1, 2021

Seizure First Aid

What to do in the event of a seizure

  1. STAY with the person and start timing the seizure. Remain calm and check for medical ID.
  2. Keep the person SAFE. Move or guide them away from harmful objects.
  3. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware. Don’t block airway, put something small and soft under the head, loosen tight clothes around neck.
  4. Do NOT put anything in their mouth. Don’t give water, pills or food until the person is awake.
  5. Do NOT restrain.
  6. STAY with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure. Most seizures end in a few minutes.

Call 9-1-1 if:

  • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Repeated seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizure occurs in water
  • Person is injured, pregnant, or sick
  • Person does not return to their usual state
  • First time seizure

[Source: Epilepsy Foundation]