A seizure can look dramatic and make you panic. Stay calm. Your actions matter more than perfect technique. Here are clear, practical steps you can follow right away to keep the person safe.
1. Time the seizure. Start a clock or note the time on your phone. Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes need emergency help. Timing is the single most important thing you can do.
2. Protect the head. Put something soft under their head if you can—jacket, pillow, folded clothing. Cushioning prevents head injury during convulsions.
3. Move dangerous items away. Clear sharp, heavy, or hot objects within reach. Create space around them so limbs can't hit furniture or edges.
4. Do NOT restrain. Holding them down or trying to stop movements can cause injury. Let the seizure run its course while keeping the area safe.
5. Don't put anything in the mouth. You can’t stop someone from swallowing their tongue and attempting to force objects in the mouth risks choking and breaking teeth.
6. Turn them on their side when possible. If you can safely roll them, place them in the recovery position to help keep the airway clear and reduce the risk of choking on saliva or vomit.
7. Check breathing. After convulsions slow, watch for steady breathing. If they’re not breathing normally and the seizure has stopped, start CPR and call emergency services right away.
1. Stay until they’re fully alert. Most people are confused, sleepy, or disoriented after a seizure. Offer reassurance, speak calmly, and let them recover at their own pace.
2. Offer a quiet, safe place. Keep lights low and give them space. Don’t give food, drink, or medication until they’re fully awake and oriented.
3. Note details. Write down how long the seizure lasted, what it looked like, whether they lost consciousness, and any triggers you noticed. This helps doctors later.
4. Call for emergency help if needed: seizure longer than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery between them, breathing problems, injury during the seizure, pregnancy, first-time seizure, or if you know the person has diabetes and their blood sugar is low.
5. Follow their seizure action plan. If the person has epilepsy and rescue meds (like buccal or nasal midazolam) and you’re trained to administer them, follow the written plan. If you’re unsure, wait for emergency responders.
Small preparations make a big difference: learn hands-only CPR, keep a seizure first-aid card for family members, remove hazards at home, and carry contact/medical info. Being ready helps you act with confidence when seconds count.
If you want more tips or printable checklists for home and school, check FaastPharmacy.com for clear guides and resources on seizure safety and medication basics.
