Call 911
Seizures need emergency care unless you know the person has a history of seizures and can be treated for a brief seizure at home. Someone with a history of seizures who is having their typical seizure does not need emergency response. If it is a different type of seizure or lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911.
1. Prevent Choking
- Loosen clothing around the person's neck.
- Roll the person on their side to keep the airway open.
- Don't put anything into the person's mouth. It is a myth that someone will swallow their tongue. You could harm the person and risk being biten if you try to put something in their mouth.
2. Protect From Injury
- Move sharp objects, such as glassware or furniture, away from the person.
- Ask bystanders to give the person room.
- Do not restrain or hold down the person.
- Only move them if they are in danger of further injury (getting hit by a car, drowning, falling off a roof, etc)
3. Treatment
- Medications may be needed.
4. Follow Up
- Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
