Emergencies
Seizures — First Aid Guide
2025-09-13
Intro
A seizure happens when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may cause convulsions, staring spells, or loss of awareness. While many seizures end on their own, knowing basic first aid can protect the person and prevent injury.
Key Points
- Stay calm and keep the person safe.
- Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
- Time the seizure — if it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services.
- Most seizures resolve within 1–3 minutes.
- After the seizure, place the person in the recovery position and reassure them.
First Aid During a Seizure
- Stay with the person until it ends.
- Move hazards away (furniture, sharp objects).
- Place something soft under the head if possible.
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Do not try to restrain movements.
- Do not put anything in their mouth (risk of choking/obstruction).
- Note the time seizure starts and ends.
After the Seizure
- Once movements stop, roll the person onto their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear.
- Stay with them until fully alert.
- Reassure them — confusion and fatigue are common afterwards.
When to Call Emergency Services
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- Another seizure begins without full recovery in between.
- First-ever seizure.
- Breathing does not return to normal after seizure ends.
- Seizure happens in water.
- Person is injured, pregnant, or has other health conditions.
Types of Seizures (Quick Overview)
- Generalized tonic-clonic: full-body convulsions, loss of consciousness.
- Absence: brief staring or blank spells, often in children.
- Focal: twitching, unusual sensations, or loss of awareness affecting one part of the body.
Prevention and Preparedness
- People with epilepsy should follow prescribed medication and carry a seizure action plan.
- Family, friends, and teachers can benefit from basic seizure first aid training.
- Wearing a medical alert bracelet helps in emergencies.
FAQ
Q: Should I put something in their mouth to stop them biting their tongue?
A: No. This can cause choking or injury.
Q: What if the person stops breathing during a seizure?
A: Call emergency services immediately. Start CPR if they remain unresponsive and not breathing once the seizure has ended.
Q: Can seizures be triggered by stress or lack of sleep?
A: Yes. Stress, missed medication, alcohol, or sleep deprivation are common triggers.
Further Reading
Related Guides
- Emergencies — Guide Hub
- CPR — First Aid Guide
- Stroke — Act FAST
- Anaphylaxis — Severe Allergic Reaction
- Choking — First Aid Guide
References
Trinka, E., et al. (2015). A definition and classification of status epilepticus — Report of the ILAE Task Force on Classification of Status Epilepticus. Epilepsia, 56(10), 1515–1523.
⚠️ Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always call emergency services for prolonged or severe seizures.
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