First Aid for Seizures: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
Seeing someone have a seizure can be frightening — especially if you’ve never witnessed one before. But knowing what to do (and what not to do) can make a huge difference in keeping that person safe until professional help arrives.
Seizures can happen anywhere — at home, school, work, or in public. The good news? With some basic first aid knowledge, you can help protect someone experiencing a seizure and prevent further injury.
Here’s what you need to know.
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 can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes and may be caused by epilepsy, head injuries, high fevers, or medical conditions such as low blood sugar.
What You SHOULD Do
If someone is having a seizure, stay calm and follow these essential steps:
1. Protect the Person from Injury
o Move sharp or hard objects out of the way.
o Cushion their head with something soft (like a folded jacket or your hands).
2. Time the Seizure
o Note how long it lasts.
o Call emergency services if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if another seizure follows immediately.
3. Turn Them on Their Side (Recovery Position)
o Once the jerking stops, gently roll the person onto their side.
o This helps keep their airway clear and allows saliva or vomit to drain safely.
4. Stay With Them Until They’re Fully Awake
o Speak calmly and reassure them.
o They may be confused, tired, or disoriented afterward — stay close and offer support.
5. Check for Medical ID
o Look for a medical bracelet, necklace, or card that might provide information about their condition.
What You SHOULDN’T Do
There are still a lot of myths about seizure first aid — and some can be dangerous. Never do the following:
1. Don’t Put Anything in Their Mouth
o A person having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue.
o Putting objects or fingers in their mouth can cause choking or injury.
2. Don’t Hold Them Down
o Trying to stop their movements can lead to broken bones or muscle injuries.
o Instead, clear the area around them and let the seizure run its course.
3. Don’t Give Food, Water, or Medicine During a Seizure
o Wait until they are fully alert before offering anything by mouth.
4. Don’t Panic or Leave Them Alone
o Stay with them the entire time. Your calm presence makes a huge difference.
When to Call 911
Call emergency services immediately if:
· The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
· It’s the person’s first seizure.
· The person has trouble breathing or doesn’t wake up afterward.
· Another seizure starts right away.
· The person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes.
After the Seizure
Once the seizure ends:
· Help the person rest in a safe, comfortable position.
· Offer reassurance — confusion or embarrassment afterward is common.
· If they don’t remember what happened, calmly explain it to them once they’re alert.
Why First Aid Training Matters
Learning seizure first aid is part of being ready for real-world emergencies.
Through Health Solutions of Arizona’s First Aid and CPR courses, you’ll gain the confidence to respond correctly — whether it’s a seizure, cardiac emergency, or injury at home or work.
Be Prepared to Help
Emergencies happen when we least expect them — but with the right training, you can stay calm, act quickly, and even save a life.
Enroll in Health Solutions of Arizona’s CPR and First Aid Course today and empower yourself and your family with lifesaving knowledge.