Seizure Duration: When to Call Emergency Services

Most seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A seizure lasting >5 minutes—or recurrent seizures without full recovery between—is status epilepticus, a medical emergency requiring immediate EMS activation (911 in US).

First Aid

• Protect from injury (clear area, cushion head).
• Do NOT restrain or put anything in mouth.
• Time the seizure.
• Roll to recovery position post-ictal.
• Call 911 if: first seizure, >5 min, repeated, injury, difficulty breathing, pregnancy, diabetes, water seizure.

Rescue medications (buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam) may be prescribed for known epilepsy with prolonged seizures. Ensure caregivers/schools have action plan.