Seizure First Aid: When to Call 911 and How to Protect the Person

Call 911 if: seizure lasts >5 minutes; repeated seizures without recovery; first seizure; difficulty breathing; injury; occurs in water; person is pregnant, diabetic, or elderly.

During the Seizure — Do

1. Stay calm—time the seizure.
2. Protect head: cushion with folded clothing or hands.
3. Roll to side (recovery position): prevents aspiration of saliva/vomit.
4. Clear area: move furniture, sharp objects.
5. Loosen tight clothing around neck.
6. Stay with person until fully alert.

During the Seizure — Don't

• Put anything in mouth—causes injury, blocks airway.
• Restrain—risks fracture, dislocation.
• Give water/food/meds until fully conscious.
• Attempt CPR unless no pulse after seizure ends.

After the Seizure (Postictal Phase)

• Person may be confused, drowsy, agitated, amnestic—lasts minutes to hours.
• Reassure: “You had a seizure. You’re safe now.”
• Help to comfortable position; offer water when fully alert.
• Check for injuries (tongue bite, falls).

Special Situations

• Wheelchair: lock brakes; support head; don’t remove unless unsafe.
• Water: support head above water; remove from water ASAP.
• Child: same principles; febrile seizures common 6mo–5yr.

Medical Follow-Up

• First seizure → urgent neurology evaluation.
• Known epilepsy + breakthrough seizure → contact neurologist.
• Medication adjustment, EEG, imaging as indicated.

Most seizures self-terminate in 1–3 minutes. Your calm presence and airway protection are the most valuable interventions.