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First Aid for Seizures
Call for emergency assistance if:
- The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
- The seizure happened in water.
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- The person does not begin breathing again or does not return to consciousness after the seizure stops.
- Another seizure starts before the person regains consciousness.
- The person injures himself or herself during the seizure.
- This is a first seizure or you think it might be. If in doubt, check to see if the person has a medical identification card or jewelry stating that he or she has epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
After the seizure ends, the person will probably be groggy and tired. He or she also may have a headache and be confused or embarrassed.
Be patient with the person and try to help him or her find a place to rest if the person is tired or doesn't feel well. If necessary, offer to call a taxi, a friend, or a relative to help the person get home safely.
If you see someone having a non-convulsive seizure, remember that the person's behavior is not intentional. The person may wander aimlessly or make alarming or unusual gestures. You can help by following these guidelines:
- Remove any dangerous objects from the area around the person or in his or her path
- Don't try to stop the person from wandering, unless he or she is in danger
- Don't shake the person or shout
- Stay with the person until he or she is completely alert.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD