Seizure first aid – what to do and what not to do

1. 1Note the time. How long it lasts decides whether this is an emergency, and afterwards nobody can remember.
2. 2Move furniture and hard objects out of the way. Do not move the person unless they are in danger, such as in water, on a road or near a fire.
3. 3Put something soft under their head.
4. 4Loosen anything tight around the neck.
5. 5Stay with them and let the seizure run its course.
6. 6Once the jerking stops, roll them onto their side so the airway stays clear and any vomit can drain.
7. 7Stay until they are fully awake and oriented, and tell them calmly what happened — people are often confused and frightened afterwards.

• Do not hold them down or try to stop the movements. You will not shorten the seizure and you may cause injury.
• Do not give water, food or tablets until they are fully awake and swallowing normally.
• Do not throw water on them or slap them.
• Do not crowd around. Give space, and ask onlookers to move back — dignity matters here and so does air.

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For a person with known epilepsy having their usual kind of seizure, which stops within a few minutes and is followed by a normal recovery, an ambulance is not automatically needed. It is still worth telling their clinic, because a change in pattern or frequency is information their treatment depends on.

Not every seizure involves falling and shaking. Someone may stare blankly, not respond, wander, pluck at their clothing or repeat a movement, then have no memory of it. Guide them gently away from danger such as traffic or stairs, do not grab or restrain them, stay with them, and wait for them to come round on their own.