The Seizure Space

Seizure first aid

Everyone can help

To help epileptic individuals during a seizure it is important to know the the basics of what to do.

If in doubt, call for an ambulance. The guidance below is general first aid information, not medical advice, and it does not replace your local emergency services.

People with epilepsy have frequent seizures so as long as the seizure doesn't last more than 5 minutes, an ambulance is generally not required because the seizure will end on its own. If this is the person's first seizure then an ambulance must be called. You can tell if the person has epilepsy by looking for medical tags either on them or their bags.

Let's consider basic first aid from a real-life scenario. You are walking down the street and suddenly see someone having a seizure. Before anything else get them out of the way of any hazards e.g. moving cars or other people on the street stepping on them.

Basic First Aid Steps

  1. Get them out of immediate danger

    Move them away from any possible hazards like cars, large groups of people that could trip on them, or sharp objects. This highly depends on where they are having the seizure.

  2. Start timing

    Regardless of seizure type, all epileptic seizures should not exceed 5 minutes. If the seizure exceeds 5 minutes call an ambulance.

  3. Do not restrain them

    Never hold them down and never put anything in their mouth. Let the seizure run its course.

  4. Position them safely

    If they are having a seizure on the floor, find something soft to cushion their head (e.g. a jacket or backpack). If they are not seizing on the floor just make sure they are safe (e.g. they do not move towards hazards).

  5. Accomodate for their after-seizure needs

    Confusion, exhaustion, headache and embarrassment are all normal afterwards. Speak calmly and explain what happened.

Do

  • Time the seizure from the start
  • Cushion their head
  • Clear hard or sharp objects away
  • Loosen tight clothing at the neck
  • Turn them on their side once movements stop
  • Stay with them until they are fully alert
  • Check for a medical tag, bracelet or card
  • Give them privacy and reassurance afterwards

Do not

  • Restrain them or hold their limbs down
  • Put anything in their mouth - they cannot swallow their tongue
  • Give food, drink or medication until fully alert
  • Move them, unless they are in immediate danger
  • Crowd around them or let others film it
  • Assume they are drunk or being difficult

Call an ambulance if

  • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
  • A second seizure follows without recovery in between
  • They do not regain consciousness, or stay confused for an unusually long time
  • They are injured, or have difficulty breathing afterwards
  • It happened in water
  • It is their first ever seizure, or you have no idea whether they have epilepsy
  • They are pregnant, or have diabetes or another serious condition
  • You are asked to, or you are simply not sure

Carry your own instructions

General first aid gets a bystander most of the way. Your own notes - your warning signs, your rescue medication, when an ambulance is genuinely needed for you - get them the rest of the way.

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