This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Seizure First Aid and Response
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that can cause convulsions, altered consciousness, and involuntary movements. Providing proper first aid focuses on protecting the person from physical trauma and keeping their airway open until the event subsides. Recognizing emergency warning signs—such as a seizure lasting longer than five minutes—is essential for knowing when to call 911.
Quick Summary
Keep the person safe by clearing nearby hazards, never restrain them or put anything in their mouth, and turn them onto their side once the 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
Note the Time and Stay Calm
Check your watch, phone, or a clock as soon as you realize a seizure is occurring. Tracking the exact duration is crucial because prolonged seizures require immediate emergency medical care. Stay calm, speak in a reassuring voice, and keep bystanders from crowding around the person.
Important: Call emergency services immediately if the seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, or if you do not know when it started.
Clear the Surrounding Area
Move any hard, sharp, hot, or heavy objects away from the person to prevent physical trauma during convulsive movements. If the person is standing or sitting, gently assist them to the floor to prevent a fall. Place a soft, flat cushion—such as a folded jacket or towel—beneath their head to protect it from blunt impact.
Loosen Restrictive Clothing and Do Not Restrain
Loosen tight neckwear, ties, collars, or scarves to help the person breathe easily. Remove eyeglasses if they are wearing them to prevent broken glass injuries. Never try to hold the person down, stop their movements, or pin their limbs to the ground.
Important: Do not attempt to restrain or pin down someone who is having a seizure, as this can cause bone fractures, joint dislocations, or soft-tissue tears.
Keep the Mouth Clear
Never place any objects, including spoons, tongue depressors, or your fingers, into the person's mouth. It is an anatomical myth that someone can swallow their tongue during a seizure. Forcing objects into a clenched jaw can break teeth, lacerate gums, and create a severe choking hazard.
Important: Never put anything in the person's mouth, and do not attempt to give fluids or pills until they are fully awake.
Turn the Person onto Their Side
Once the active shaking subsides, or immediately if you see vomiting or excess salivation, gently roll the person onto their side into the recovery position. This position uses gravity to keep the airway clear and prevents aspiration of vomit, blood, or saliva into the lungs. Tilt their chin slightly upward to keep the trachea open.
Stay with the Person During Recovery
Remain at the person's side until the seizure is completely over and they are fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. Most people experience a postictal period of confusion, drowsiness, and headache after a seizure. Reassure them gently, describe what happened in simple terms, and check for medical identification jewelry.
Recognize When to Call Emergency Services
Dial 911 or your local emergency number if the seizure lasts over 5 minutes, if a second seizure begins shortly after the first, or if normal breathing does not resume. Emergency care is also required if the person is pregnant, injured, has diabetes, was in water, or has never had a seizure before.
Important: Call 911 immediately if the person remains unresponsive, struggles to breathe, or sustains a head injury during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a person swallow their tongue during a seizure?
Should you perform CPR during an active seizure?
What should I do if someone has a seizure in water?
What is the postictal state and how long does it last?
Sources & References
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- 2Mayo ClinicSource
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Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
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