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Back to Seizure Emergencies and Planning

Seizure First Aid

How to help someone having a seizure

  1. STAY WITH THE PERSON UNTIL THEY ARE AWAKE AND ALERT AFTER THE SEIZURE

    • Remain calm. Check for medical ID.
    • Time the seizure. Write it down in your seizure log.
    • Video the seizure to share with the doctor.
  2. KEEP THE PERSON SAFE

    • Move them away from harm
  3. TURN THE PERSON ONTO THEIR SIDE IF THEY ARE NOT AWAKE AND AWARE

    • Keep airway clear
    • Loosen any tight clothes around their neck
    • Put something small and soft under their head
  4. CALL 911 IF...

    • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
    • Person does not return to their usual state
    • Person is injured, pregnant, or sick
    • First time seizure or repeated seizures
    • Person has difficulty breathing
    • The seizure occurs in water
  5. DO NOT...

    • Restrain them
    • Put any objects in their mouth

    Rescue meds can be given if prescribed by a health care professional

Original action-plan illustrations: time the seizure, keep the person safe, do not restrict, stay with the person, and keep a record.

BEFORE YOUR NEXT SEIZURE: CREATE A SEIZURE ACTION PLAN (SAP) WITH YOUR DOCTOR. SHARE YOUR SAP WITH ALL CAREGIVERS.

Learn more: Seizures & Safety