What Should I Do for a Person Who Is Having a Seizure?

What Should I Do for a Person Who Is Having a Seizure?

• Loosen clothing around the person’s neck.
• Get the person safely to the ground if they are not already in a safe position.
• Do not try to hold the person down or restrain them. This can result in injury to both you and the person seizing.
• Do not insert any objects in the person’s mouth. This can also cause injury.
• Reassure concerned bystanders who may be upset and ask them to give the person room.
• Remove sharp objects (glasses, furniture, and other objects) from around the person to prevent injury.
• After the seizure, it is helpful to lay the person on their side to maintain an open airway and prevent the person from inhaling any secretions.
• After a seizure, the person may be confused and should not be left alone.
• Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if another seizure begins soon after the first, or if the person cannot be awakened after the movements have stopped, or if a head injury is present. If you are concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes, you should contact a doctor immediately.