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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

First Aid for Seizures

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

Seizures occur when there is a sudden, temporary surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Recognizing the signs and providing appropriate first aid can prevent serious injuries and save lives. This guide outlines essential, evidence-based steps to keep someone safe during and after a seizure.

Quick Summary

Keep the person safe from injury, cushion their head, turn them onto their side, and never put anything in their mouth.

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

Check the time and stay calm

Note the exact time the seizure begins using your watch or phone. Tracking the duration is vital because a seizure lasting longer than five minutes is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Take a deep breath, remain calm, and ask bystanders to give the person space.

2

Clear the area of hazards

Gently ease the person to the ground if they are standing or sitting to prevent a traumatic fall. Remove hard, sharp, hot, or heavy objects from around them, including furniture, glassware, and electrical devices. Clear crowds to provide fresh air and preserve the person's privacy.

Important: Do not attempt to move the person unless they are in immediate danger, such as near traffic, water, or the edge of stairs.

3

Protect the head and loosen tight clothing

Place something soft and flat under their head, such as a folded jacket, towel, or small cushion, to absorb the impact of repetitive movements. Take off their eyeglasses if they are wearing any. Loosen constrictive clothing around the neck, such as ties, buttons, or tight collars, to help ensure open airflow.

4

Turn the person gently onto their side

Roll the person onto one side into the recovery position as soon as feasible. This lateral posture uses gravity to drain saliva, blood, or vomit out of the mouth, preventing fluids from entering the lungs. Keep their airway clear and monitor their breathing continuously.

5

Do not restrain them or insert anything in their mouth

Never attempt to pin the person down, restrict their limb movements, or stop their jerking, as this can cause bone fractures or muscle tears. Do not insert any objects, pills, liquids, or your fingers into their mouth. People cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure, and foreign objects risk chipping teeth, lacerating gums, or choking the individual.

Important: Never put anything in the person's mouth. Doing so can cause severe choking, dental fractures, or bite injuries.

6

Stay with them through recovery

Remain beside the individual until the seizure stops and they regain full consciousness. After a seizure, people typically enter a 'postictal' state characterized by deep fatigue, confusion, or headache. Speak softly, orient them to their surroundings, and offer reassurance until they are able to stand and communicate safely.

Important: Do not give food, water, or oral medication until the person is completely awake, alert, and able to swallow normally.

7

Know when to call emergency services

Call emergency services immediately if the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, or if a second seizure begins before the person regains consciousness. Seek urgent medical attention if the person has trouble breathing afterward, was injured, is pregnant, has diabetes, was in water when the seizure started, or has no known history of seizures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a person swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No, it is anatomically impossible to swallow your tongue. The lingual frenulum anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Turning the person onto their side is sufficient to keep the relaxed tongue from occluding the airway.
When does a seizure require calling 911 or emergency services?
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if multiple seizures occur in rapid succession, if the person is injured, pregnant, has never had a seizure before, or struggles to breathe after the jerking stops.
What should I do if someone has a seizure while in the water?
Support the person's head immediately to keep their face and airway clear of the water. Move them out of the water as quickly and safely as possible once active thrashing subsides, place them on their side, and call emergency services immediately.
Why is the person confused or sleepy after a seizure?
This is known as the postictal phase. The brain consumes massive amounts of energy and experiences altered neurotransmitter balance during a seizure, requiring minutes to hours of rest before normal cognition and motor function return.
  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