This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
First Aid for Seizures
A seizure occurs when a sudden surge of electrical activity disrupts normal brain function, often causing involuntary movements, changes in awareness, or loss of consciousness. Most seizures resolve on their own within a few minutes, but prompt and appropriate first aid prevents physical trauma and maintains an open airway. Knowing the correct actions to take—and avoiding dangerous misconceptions—ensures the person remains safe throughout the event.
Quick Summary
Protect the person from injury, cushion their head, avoid restraining them or placing anything in their mouth, and roll them onto their side once shaking stops.
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
Stay Calm and Note the Time
Check your watch or phone to record exactly when the seizure started. Timing the duration is crucial because any seizure lasting longer than five minutes represents a life-threatening medical emergency known as status epilepticus. Reassure nearby bystanders and ask them to give the person space.
Important: Call emergency services immediately if the active seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Clear Hazards from the Surroundings
Quickly move hard, sharp, hot, or heavy objects out of the person's immediate reach to prevent accidental injury during uncontrolled movements. If the person is wearing eyeglasses, gently remove them and set them aside. Do not attempt to restrain their limbs or pin them to the ground.
Important: Never physically restrain or hold down someone experiencing a seizure, as this can cause fractures or joint dislocations.
Protect the Head and Loosen Clothing
Place something soft, flat, and supportive under the person's head, such as a folded jacket, pillow, or towel, to cushion against impact with hard surfaces. Loosen any restrictive clothing around their neck, such as neckties, buttoned collars, or scarves, to ensure unrestricted airflow.
Keep the Mouth Clear
Never attempt to force anything into the person's mouth, including fingers, pens, wooden spoons, or medications. It is physically impossible to swallow one's own tongue, and placing objects between clenched teeth can cause severe dental damage, jaw fractures, bite wounds, or airway obstruction.
Important: Do not put any objects, liquids, or oral medications into the mouth of an actively seizing individual.
Turn the Person onto Their Side
As soon as the active shaking slows, or immediately if the person begins vomiting or producing excess saliva, roll them gently onto one side into the recovery position. This position allows fluids to drain freely from the mouth and keeps the tongue from relaxing backward and occluding the airway.
Remain Present During the Recovery Phase
Stay with the individual until the seizure has completely ended and they are fully alert and oriented. People waking from a seizure (the post-ictal state) often feel confused, exhausted, disoriented, or embarrassed. Speak calmly, explain that they had a seizure, and offer gentle reassurance as their awareness returns.
Important: Do not offer food, fluids, or oral medication until the person is completely awake, alert, and able to swallow normally.
Recognize Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts over five minutes, if a second seizure occurs shortly after the first, or if the individual has difficulty breathing or regaining consciousness afterward. Immediate dispatch is also required if the seizure occurred in water, caused significant injury, involves a pregnant individual, or is the person's first known seizure.
Important: Seek immediate emergency medical help if the person fails to regain consciousness between back-to-back seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
When is a seizure considered a medical emergency?
What is the post-ictal phase, and what should I expect?
Should I begin CPR if someone is having a seizure?
Sources & References
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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