How to Help Someone Having a Seizure

Time the seizure, clear the area, cushion the head, and let it happen. Never restrain them and never put anything in their mouth. Call 999 if you do not know they have epilepsy, if it lasts more than five minutes, or if another seizure follows.

What epilepsy is

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that makes recurring seizures likely. It can follow oxygen deprivation at birth, a brain infection such as meningitis, a stroke or a head injury, though in more than half of cases no cause is ever found. Anyone can have a one-off seizure, which is exactly when an ambulance matters most.

Tonic-clonic seizures

The casualty goes rigid, may cry out, falls, and convulses with involuntary movements. You may see an arched back, pale skin or blue-tinged lips, and froth or a little blood at the mouth if they have bitten their tongue.

1
Start timing.
The five-minute mark changes what you do next.
2
Clear the area around them.
Move furniture and objects so they cannot hurt themselves.
3
Cushion the head.
A folded cardigan or pillow under the head on hard flooring. Not your hands: a convulsing casualty is strong and can hurt you.
4
Stand back and let the seizure happen.
Do not restrain them and do not try to wake them out of it.
5
When it ends, do your primary survey.
Unresponsive and breathing: recovery position. Not breathing normally: CPR. Responsive: reassure and let them rest.

When to call 999

You do not know the person has epilepsy: call immediately
The seizure passes five minutes
They have a second seizure without regaining consciousness

Focal and absence seizures

Not every seizure convulses. Someone may stare into space, wander aimlessly, pluck at their clothes or smack their lips, aware but not aware of their surroundings.

Keep them safe without restraining them: away from roads, water and machinery. Talk calmly. When they come out of it they may remember nothing, so explain what happened, reassure them and let them rest. The same 999 rules apply.

Time every seizure from the moment it starts
Cushion the head with clothing or a pillow
Reassure them afterwards: they may remember nothing

Don't

Do not restrain them in any way
Do not put anything in their mouth, even if you worry about the tongue
Do not give food or drink until fully recovered

Common questions

Should you put something in the mouth of someone having a seizure?

Never. Nothing goes in the mouth, even if you are worried about their tongue blocking the airway. Cushion the head, time the seizure, and deal with the airway after the convulsions stop.

When is a seizure a 999 call?

Immediately, if you do not know the person has epilepsy. Otherwise call if it lasts more than five minutes or a second seizure follows without them regaining consciousness.

What do you do after a seizure ends?

Primary survey. If they are unresponsive but breathing normally, recovery position and monitor. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR. If they respond, reassure them, explain what happened and let them rest.

Go beyond reading

Skills stick when you practise them

A certified course puts these skills in your hands: real CPR practice, real feedback, a recognised certificate for work. One-day Emergency First Aid at Work courses run across the UK.

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First Aid Guru guides support learning and refreshing your knowledge. They are not a substitute for regulated, hands-on first aid training or for professional medical advice. In an emergency call 999 (UK) and follow the call handler's instructions.