Keep these first aid tips in mind

Published: October 5, 2017 | Updated: May 7, 2019

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

When someone nearby is having a seizure, here’s how to offer first aid and when to call 911.

• Stay calm and be reassuring.
• Move the person to a safe place and clear the area of hard or sharp objects.
• Ease the person to the ground.
• Turn the person onto one side.
• Protect the head by supporting it with something soft; keep the face uncovered.
• Loosen any restrictive items (tie, collar, necklace, etc.).
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth (spoon, tongue depressor, etc.); the person cannot swallow his or her tongue.
• Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements; you may hurt them, or they may hurt you.
• Stay with the person until the seizure stops.
• If the person is very upset or violent, stay back.
• Do not try to give the person water or anything by mouth until he or she is alert and able to swallow without choking.
• Use a watch to time the seizure as soon as you see one begin.
• If needed, allow the person to rest while someone observes them for more seizures; stay nearby until they are alert.

Call 911 or immediately go to the emergency room:

• If a seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer
• When seizures occur back to back without returning to normal in between
• When injury occurs (head trauma, suspected broken bone, etc.)
• If the person does not start breathing normally once the seizure stops
• If the person is pregnant
• If the person has diabetes or a serious heart condition
• If you are concerned something else could be wrong
• If the person is more confused or upset than usual after a seizure (especially if he or she becomes violent)