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What to Do During a Seizure: Complete First Aid Guide

Expert guidance from NIMHANS-trained epileptologists on seizure first aid and emergency response

Emergency: 108
Reviewed by Dr. Abhishek Gohel & Dr. Rutul Shah

Call Emergency Services Immediately If:

  • First-time seizure (person has never had a seizure before)
  • Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
  • Multiple seizures without full recovery between them
  • Difficulty breathing or injury during the seizure
  • Person is pregnant, diabetic, or has other medical conditions
  • Person does not regain consciousness within 10 minutes
108

KD Hospital Emergency: +91 79 6677 0001

Seizure First Aid Steps

  1. Stay calm and note the time
  2. Clear the area of sharp objects
  3. Cushion the head with something soft
  4. Turn the person on their side
  5. Do NOT put anything in their mouth
  6. Do NOT restrain them
  7. Stay with them until fully conscious
  8. Call emergency if seizure lasts >5 minutes

What Are the Steps for Seizure First Aid?

Seeing someone have a seizure can be scary, but knowing what to do helps keep them safe and provides important support. This guide, reviewed by Dr. Abhishek Gohel and Dr. Rutul Shah, NIMHANS-trained neurologists & epilepsy specialists, provides evidence-based seizure first aid steps.

1

Stay Calm and Stay With the Person

Remain calm and do not leave the person alone. Staying composed will help you think clearly and provide better assistance. Your presence can be reassuring to the person when they regain consciousness.

2

Keep the Person Safe

Gently guide the person away from hazards like stairs, traffic, or sharp objects. If they are standing or sitting, help them lie down in a safe place. Cushion their head with something soft like a folded jacket or pillow.

3

Turn Them on Their Side

Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) to help keep their airway clear and prevent choking if they vomit. This position allows saliva or vomit to drain out of their mouth rather than going down their throat.

4

Time the Seizure

Note when the seizure starts and time its duration. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 108 immediately. Most seizures stop on their own within 1-2 minutes, but longer seizures require emergency medical attention.

5

Clear the Area

Remove hard, sharp, or hot objects from around the person. Ask onlookers to give the person space and respect their privacy. Having too many people crowding around can be overwhelming when they regain consciousness.

6

Observe and Record

Notice what happens during the seizure - which parts of the body are affected, how the person moves, and how long different phases last. This information will be valuable for medical professionals and the person's doctor.

How Do You Put Someone in the Recovery Position?

The recovery position is important for keeping the airway clear during and after a seizure:

Recovery Position Steps:

  1. Kneel beside the person who is lying on their back
  2. Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body with the palm facing up
  3. Bring their far arm across the chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek nearest to you
  4. Lift the far leg just above the knee and bring it up
  5. Roll them towards you onto their side by pushing on their raised knee
  6. Adjust their top leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles
  7. Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open
  8. Place something soft under their head for comfort and protection

What NOT to Do During a Seizure

  • Do NOT put anything in their mouth - This includes fingers, spoons, or other objects. People cannot "swallow their tongue" and forcing objects into the mouth can cause injury to teeth, jaw, or your fingers
  • Do NOT try to stop or restrain their movements - Holding them down can cause muscle strain or bone fractures. Let the seizure run its course
  • Do NOT give them water, food, or medication during or immediately after the seizure until they are fully alert
  • Do NOT perform CPR unless the person stops breathing after the seizure has ended
  • Do NOT leave them alone during or immediately after the seizure
  • Do NOT try to wake them up by shaking or shouting

What Should You Do After a Seizure?

The period after a seizure (post-ictal period) can last from minutes to hours. During this time:

  • Stay with the person: They may be confused, tired, or disoriented
  • Speak calmly: Explain what happened and reassure them they are safe
  • Check for injuries: Look for any cuts, bruises, or other injuries that may need attention
  • Allow them to rest: They may need time to recover their strength and mental clarity
  • Help them get home safely: They should not drive or operate machinery until fully recovered
  • Encourage medical follow-up: Even if they have a known seizure disorder, changes in seizure pattern should be reported to their doctor

When a Seizure Requires Emergency Care

Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department if any of these situations occur:

  • This is the person's first seizure
  • The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
  • The person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between them
  • The person is injured during the seizure
  • The person has trouble breathing after the seizure
  • The person does not wake up after 10 minutes
  • The seizure occurs in water (drowning risk)
  • The person is pregnant or has diabetes
  • The seizure is different from their usual pattern

What About Seizures in Special Situations?

Seizures in Children

Seizure first aid in children follows the same basic principles, but consider these additional factors:

  • Children may be more frightened and need extra reassurance
  • Febrile seizures (caused by fever) are common in young children and usually not dangerous
  • Any first seizure in a child should receive immediate medical attention
  • Parents should be contacted as soon as possible

Seizures in Public Places

If someone has a seizure in a public place:

  • Ask bystanders to give space and respect the person's privacy
  • Stay with the person and take charge of the situation calmly
  • Identify yourself to any security or emergency personnel who arrive
  • Help protect the person's dignity by asking onlookers to move away

Seizures at Work or School

In workplace or school settings:

  • Know your institution's emergency procedures
  • Ensure someone calls the person's emergency contact
  • Be aware that the person may be embarrassed and need emotional support
  • Help them return to normal activities gradually when they're ready

How Can You Support Someone with Epilepsy Long-Term?

People with epilepsy face many challenges beyond the medical aspects of their condition. As someone who knows seizure first aid, you can provide valuable support:

  • Learn about their condition: Understanding their specific type of epilepsy helps you provide better support
  • Know their triggers: Help them avoid known seizure triggers when possible
  • Respect their independence: Don't become overprotective; most people with epilepsy live normal, active lives
  • Be prepared but not anxious: Know what to do, but don't constantly worry about seizures
  • Encourage compliance: Support them in taking medications regularly and keeping medical appointments

Key Takeaways for Seizure First Aid

  • Stay calm and remain with the person
  • Ensure safety by moving hazards away
  • Place in recovery position to keep airway clear
  • Time the seizure and call 108 if it lasts over 5 minutes
  • Do NOT put anything in their mouth
  • Do NOT restrain their movements
  • Call emergency services for first seizures or concerning features
  • Stay supportive during recovery period

When Should You See a Specialist After a Seizure?

After any seizure event, especially a first seizure, it's important to follow up with medical care. Consider seeing an epilepsy specialist if:

  • This was a first-time seizure
  • Seizures are becoming more frequent
  • Seizure characteristics are changing
  • Current medications aren't controlling seizures effectively
  • The person is experiencing significant side effects from medications

At Gujarat Epilepsy & Neuro Clinic, our NIMHANS-trained specialists provide complete epilepsy care, including seizure evaluation, medication management, and surgical evaluation when appropriate.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Abhishek Gohel & Dr. Rutul Shah

DM Neurology (NIMHANS), Fellowship in Epilepsy

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual situations may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions. In case of a medical emergency, call 108 or visit your nearest emergency department.

⚕️ Medical Emergency: This guide provides general information on seizure first aid. Always call 108 for medical emergencies or if you're unsure about what to do. Read full disclaimer →

Watch Our Doctors Explain

Seizure First Aid: What You Need to Know

Seizure First Aid: What You Need to Know

Essential first aid steps during a seizure — what to do and what NOT to do. By Dr. Abhishek Gohel and Dr. Rutul Shah.

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