Seizure first aid for children – what to do
What to do when a child has a seizure, what not to put in the mouth and when to call emergency services.
Protect the child and time the seizure
During a seizure, clear nearby hazards, protect the child's head, place them on their side when possible and time the event. Do not restrain them and do not put food, water, fingers or objects in the mouth. Stay calm and watch breathing after the movements stop.
The first-aid sequence
- Move hard or sharp objects away and cushion the head.
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Turn the child onto their side when it is safe, especially after the jerking stops.
- Stay with them, observe breathing and record how long it lasts.
- Do not give anything by mouth until they are fully alert.
Tell responders what happened
- Whether this was the first seizure or a known pattern.
- The start time, duration and whether one seizure followed another.
- Fever, injury, possible poisoning, diabetes or a missed prescribed medicine.
- How the child was breathing and behaving after it stopped.
Call emergency services for danger signs
Common questions
- What should I do if a child has a seizure?
- Clear hazards, protect the head, turn the child on their side when safe, time the seizure and do not put anything in the mouth or restrain them.
- When should I call an ambulance for a child's seizure?
- Call for a first seizure, prolonged or repeated seizure, breathing problem, injury, suspected poisoning or failure to recover normally. Use the emergency directory for the local route.
Sources
- Basic life support and resuscitation guidelinesResuscitation Council of Southern Africa
- Paediatric Hospital Level Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines ListNational Department of Health, South Africa
- Road to Health book: health-service contacts and child health guidanceNational Department of Health, South Africa
Last reviewed 26 August 2026.