Seeing someone have a seizure is scary. The best help is simple: stay calm, keep them safe, and watch the clock. Most seizures end on their own in under two minutes. Your clear, steady actions make the biggest difference.
First, protect the person from harm. Move sharp or heavy objects away. Cushion their head with a soft item like a folded jacket. Don’t try to hold them down or stop the shaking — that can cause injury.
Time the seizure. Note when it starts and how long it lasts. Timing matters: prolonged seizures need emergency help. If possible, look for a medical ID, bracelet, or a written epilepsy action plan and follow it.
Keep the airway open. Turn the person gently onto their side as soon as the shaking slows. This helps saliva or vomit drain and reduces choking risk. Do not put anything in their mouth — you can’t pry the jaw open safely and you might hurt them.
Loosen tight clothing at the neck. If a crowd gathers, give space and reassure others you have it under control. Stay with the person until they are fully alert and responsive.
Call emergency services immediately if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or if one seizure follows another without recovery between them. Also call if the person has trouble breathing after the seizure, is injured, is pregnant, is diabetic, or if this is their first seizure.
Some people have prescribed rescue medication (like buccal or intranasal midazolam, or rectal diazepam). Only give these if you were trained and the medicine was prescribed for that person. Follow the dosing plan exactly. If you’re unsure, call emergency services and describe the situation.
If the person isn’t breathing after the seizure stops, start CPR and keep emergency services on the line until help arrives.
Aftercare matters. Once conscious, the person may be confused, sleepy, or upset. Offer gentle reassurance. Encourage them to rest and to contact their doctor. Note details: how long the seizure lasted, what it looked like, and any triggering events like lack of sleep, alcohol, or missed medication.
Prevent future harm by helping the person keep a seizure action plan and wearing ID if needed. Encourage medication adherence and follow-up with their health team. For high-risk activities — driving, swimming alone, working at heights — recommend extra precautions or supervision.
Want to be ready? Consider basic seizure first-aid training from a local clinic or epilepsy organization. A little practice makes you calmer and quicker in the moment. If in doubt, treat seizures seriously and get professional help.
If you need more tailored advice, ask the person’s healthcare team for an action plan you can follow next time.
