Seizure first aid

This is a page to share with friends, family or colleagues so they know how to help if you have a seizure.

Fast facts

• Knowing what to do when someone has a seizure can help you feel prepared and less likely to panic when you see one
• When someone is having a seizure it’s important to stay with them until the seizure is over and they are fully recovered
• A tonic-clonic seizure is the seizure you are most likely to come across. We explain how to help below and link to the pages about helping with other seizures types
• For most seizures the person won’t need an ambulance – see when to call an ambulance below

First aid for tonic-clonic seizures

Do

• Assess the situation – is there a risk of injury? Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
• Cushion the head (with a jumper for example)
• Time the seizure. If the jerking last longer than 5 minutes call an ambulance
• To aid breathing put the person in the recovery position (on their side) once the jerking has stopped
• Stay with the them as they come round and until they have recovered
• Be calm and reassuring

Don’t

• Restrain their movements
• Put anything in their mouth
• Try to move them unless they are in danger
• Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
• Attempt to bring them round

To find out what happens and how to help for different seizure types see the seizure pages

More info