First Aid for Seizures: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

Seeing someone have a seizure can be frightening — especially if you have never witnessed one before. But knowing what to do (and what not to do) can make a huge difference in keeping the person safe. Having basic seizure first aid knowledge can help prevent injury and provide calm and effective support until professional help arrives.

What Happens During a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause:

• Convulsions (uncontrolled jerking or shaking)
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Sudden collapse
• Blank staring or unresponsiveness
• Strange movements or sounds

Seizures may last from a few seconds to several minutes and can occur due to epilepsy, high fevers, head injuries, medication conditions such as low blood sugar, and other triggers.

What You SHOULD Do

If someone is having a seizure, stay calm and follow these steps for seizure first aid:

Protect the Person From Injury

• Move sharp or hard objects away.
• Cushion their head with something soft (like a jacket or your hands).

Time the Seizure

• Note how long it lasts.
• Call emergency services if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or if another seizure follows immediately.

Turn Them on Their Side (Recovery Position)

• Once the jerking stops, gently roll the person onto their side.
• This helps keep the airway open and allows saliva or vomit to drain safely.

Stay With Them Until They’re Fully Awake

• Speak calmly and reassure them.
• They may be confused, tired, or disoriented afterward — stay with them and offer support.

Check for Medical ID

• Look for medical bracelets, necklaces, or cards that may explain their condition.

What You SHOULDN’T Do

There are still many myths about treating seizures. Avoid the following:

• Do not put anything in their mouth.
  They will not swallow their tongue. Putting objects in their mouth may cause choking or injury.
• Do not hold them down.
  Restricting movement can cause physical harm. Let the seizure run its course while keeping the area safe.
• Do not give food, drink, or medicine during the seizure.
  Wait until they are fully awake.
• Do not leave the person alone.
  Your support and calm presence are important until they recover.

When to Call 911

Call emergency services if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• It is their first seizure.
• They have trouble breathing or do not wake up afterward.
• Another seizure begins immediately.
• They are injured, pregnant, or have diabetes.

After the Seizure

Once the seizure ends:

• Help the person rest comfortably.
• Offer reassurance — confusion afterward is normal.
• If they do not remember what happened, calmly explain once they are alert.

Why First Aid Training Matters

Understanding seizure first aid helps you respond calmly and confidently in real situations. With proper training, you can assist safely — whether at home, school, work, or in public.

Be Prepared to Help

Emergencies can happen anytime. Learning first aid and CPR equips you to act quickly and provide lifesaving support.

Learn more about training options at Health Solutions of America

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