Seeing a seizure can be frightening, but the most helpful thing you can do is stay calm and let it run its course, as most seizures end on their own after a few minutes.
Here is how you can help, using the "Stay, Safe, Side" approach:
Stay: Remain with the person and check the time to see how long the seizure lasts.
Safe: Clear the area of any hard or sharp objects and place something soft under their head.
Side: Once the movements stop, gently turn the person onto their side, angling their mouth toward the ground so they can breathe and drain saliva easily.
Important Safety Rules
Do not try to hold the person down or stop their movements.
Do not put anything in their mouth—not your fingers, food, or water. It is a myth that people can swallow their tongue, and trying to open their mouth can cause injury.
Continue speaking to them in a calm, quiet voice, even if they cannot respond.
When to call for an ambulance
Call for emergency help if:
The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
One seizure happens right after another without the person waking up in between.
The person is injured, in water, or having trouble breathing.
This is the person’s first seizure.
After the seizure
The person will likely feel tired, confused, or embarrassed. Stay with them to provide comfort, allow them to rest, and—if it is a child—let them sleep if they need to. It is helpful to write down what happened, how long it lasted, and how they acted before and after, as this information is very useful for their doctor.
Note: This is general advice. If the person has a diagnosed condition, always follow the specific emergency plan and medication instructions provided by their doctor.
