First Aid

What to do if someone is having a seizure

Step 1: protect the casualty from harming themselves during the fit

STEP 1: PROTECT THE CASUALTY FROM HARMING THEMSELVES

With any seizure, it is important to first protect the casualty from harming themselves. Ask any bystanders to step back, help to protect the casualty's privacy as much as possible, and clear away any potentially dangerous objects, like hot drinks or sharp objects.

Make a note of the time that the seizure started.

Do not restrain the casualty or move them unless they are in immediate danger.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

Step 2: Protect their head

STEP 2: PROTECT THEIR HEAD

You could place soft padding underneath it, such as a rolled-up towel. You should also loosen any clothing around their neck.

Step 3: check their breathing

STEP 3: WHEN ANY JERKY MOVEMENTS HAVE STOPPED

When any jerky movements have stopped, open their airway and check their breathing.
If they are breathing, put them in the recovery position.

Step 3: check their breathing

STEP 4: MONITOR THEIR LEVEL OF RESPONSE

Monitor their level of response and make a note of how long the seizure lasted.

If they become unresponsive at any time, prepare to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and give CPR.

Not everyone who has a seizure needs to go to hospital, particularly if they are known to have epilepsy.  The casualty may have an alert bracelet or a care plan that says what to do. It may take 15-30 minutes for the casualty to recover completely from a seizure.

Step 5: call for help

STEP 5: CALL FOR HELP

Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if:

  • it is the casualty’s first seizure
  • they are having repeated seizures
  • the cause of the seizure is unknown
  • the seizure continues for more than five minutes
  • the casualty is unresponsive for more than 10 minutes after the seizure
  • they have an injury on another part of the body, or they are not breathing normally.

More information

SEIZURE FIRST AID

Epilepsy Action offers a clear and practical guide on what to do if someone is having a seizure. Check out their first aid advice here.

UNDERSTANDING SUDEP

If you’re looking to understand more about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), Epilepsy Action has a great resource available on their website.

When seizures last too long

Not all seizures stop quickly. If a seizure goes on for too long, it can become a medical emergency. Epilepsy Action explains what to do and when to call for help in this article.

Some content on this page is based on information from St John Ambulance: Seizures in adults – sja.org.uk. Used for educational purposes. © St John Ambulance.