Seizure First Aid: How to Help Safely and Fast

Seeing someone have a seizure is frightening, but the right actions are simple and can prevent harm. Most seizures stop on their own in a minute or two. Your job is to keep the person safe, time the event, and get help when needed. Read these clear steps so you know what to do the moment it happens.

Quick actions during a convulsive seizure

• Stay calm and stay with them. Your calmness helps the person. Don’t leave them alone.
• Time the seizure. Note when it starts. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately.
• Clear the area. Move sharp or hard objects away. Give at least an arm’s length of space around the person.
• Protect the head. Put something soft under their head—jacket, folded clothing—so they don’t hit the ground.
• Don’t restrain movements. Trying to hold them down can cause injuries. Let the seizure run its course.
• Don’t put anything in the mouth. You can’t force the tongue down and objects can cause choking or break teeth.
• If possible, gently roll them onto their side after convulsions stop. This helps keep the airway clear and reduces choking risk from saliva.

After the seizure and when to call for help

Most people are confused or sleepy afterward. Offer quiet reassurance and let them rest. Check breathing and responsiveness. If they’re breathing and responsive, stay nearby until they’re fully alert.

Call emergency services now if any of these apply: the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, a second seizure follows immediately, the person has trouble breathing after the seizure, the seizure happened in water, the person is injured, pregnant, or it’s their first-ever seizure. If the person isn’t breathing after the seizure, call 911 and start CPR if you’re trained.

Make a quick note of what you saw—how long the seizure lasted, whether they were unconscious, which side they were stiff on, and any obvious triggers like head injury or alcohol. Those details help emergency responders and the person’s healthcare team.

Preparation matters. If you care for someone with known seizures, ask their doctor for a seizure action plan and learn whether a prescribed rescue medication applies. In public, offer privacy and space after the event. At home, remove hazards and avoid leaving the person alone until they’ve recovered.

Knowing these few practical steps makes you ready to help without causing harm. If you’re unsure, call emergency services—staying safe is the top priority.