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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
First Aid21 min read

What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure: Step-by-Step First Aid

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

Witnessing a seizure can be alarming, but staying calm and taking the correct actions can protect the individual from physical injury. Most seizures resolve naturally within a couple of minutes and require supportive care rather than active medical intervention. This guide outlines how to maintain safety, safeguard the airway, and identify when emergency services are required.

Quick Summary

Keep the person safe from hazards, protect their head, roll them onto their side once movement stops, never place anything in their mouth, and time the seizure.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Note the Time and Stay Calm

Check your watch or phone immediately to track how long the seizure lasts. Most convulsive seizures end on their own within 60 to 120 seconds. Knowing the precise duration is essential, as a seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is a medical emergency known as status epilepticus.

2

Clear the Surrounding Area of Hazards

Quickly move away any hard, sharp, or hot objects that could cause injury, such as coffee tables, glass, or electrical cords. If the person is near a flight of stairs, a busy road, or open water, gently guide them away from danger. Do not move them unless they are in direct, unavoidable peril.

3

Cushion the Head and Loosen Constricting Clothing

Place a soft, folded item—such as a jacket, towel, or small pillow—beneath the person's head to prevent blunt trauma against hard flooring. Loosen tight items around the neck, such as neckties, buttoned collars, or scarves, to ensure unrestricted airflow. If they wear eyeglasses, remove them carefully.

4

Do Not Restrain and Never Put Anything in Their Mouth

Allow the convulsive movements to run their course without trying to pin the person down or hold their limbs still. Never attempt to place a spoon, finger, or bite block between their teeth. It is an anatomical impossibility to swallow one's tongue, and forcing an object into their mouth can shatter teeth, lacerate gums, or obstruct the airway.

Important: Never force any object into the person's mouth or attempt to hold them down. Restraining someone during a seizure can cause fractures, joint dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.

5

Turn the Person onto Their Side (Recovery Position)

As soon as violent shaking subsides, or immediately if the person begins vomiting or producing excess saliva, roll them onto their side into the recovery position. Tilt their chin slightly upward to keep the airway open. This prevents saliva, blood, or vomit from entering the lungs, significantly reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

6

Stay With Them During the Postictal Phase

Remain by their side until they are fully conscious, oriented, and able to stand steadily. Following a seizure, people typically experience a 'postictal' state characterized by confusion, drowsiness, and headache. Speak softly and reassuringly, explain what occurred, and offer to call a family member, caregiver, or ride home.

Important: Do not offer water, food, or oral medications until the person is completely awake, alert, and capable of swallowing safely.

7

Recognize Red Flags and Call Emergency Services

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if a second seizure occurs before the person regains consciousness, or if breathing remains difficult after the event stops. Emergency assistance is also required if the person is pregnant, injured, has diabetes, was in water, or has no known history of seizures.

Important: Call 911 immediately if the seizure exceeds 5 minutes, repeats in rapid succession, occurs in water, or involves pregnancy or serious injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No. The tongue is anchored to the base of the mouth by the lingual frenulum, making it physically impossible to swallow. Trying to insert a wallet, spoon, or your fingers into their mouth can break their teeth or bite your hand.
When is a seizure considered a 911 emergency?
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, if another seizure follows immediately without full recovery, if the person has difficulty breathing or remains unresponsive, if they are pregnant or injured, or if this is their first known seizure.
Should I start CPR if someone has a seizure?
Do not perform CPR while the person is actively seizing. People often breathe shallowly or display blue-tinged lips during convulsions. Only begin CPR after the seizure has fully stopped if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Why is the recovery position critical after a seizure?
The recovery position involves placing the person on their side with the top knee bent and airway tilted open. This uses gravity to drain fluids, saliva, and vomit away from the trachea, preventing airway blockage and lung aspiration.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Source
  2. 2
    Mayo ClinicSource
  3. 3
    National Health Service (NHS)Source
  4. 4
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy