If the person is about to fall, catch the person and gently place
on the nearest flat surface or on your lap. Clear the space around
the person, including sharp edges that could hurt them.
Step 2
Do not try to stop the movements of the person’s body. Once
started, a seizure will run its course no matter what you do.
Step 3
Loosen tight clothing, especially neckties or shirt collars.
Step 4
If you hear noisy breathing, lift the chin upward to keep the
airway open. To drain foaming secretions, blood, or vomit coming
from the mouth, turn the person on their side with the mouth
towards the floor.
Step 5
If you are able, try to time the length of the seizure and be able
to describe the movements you see at the first part of the seizure.
This is helpful to emergency medical services and the Emergency
Room doctor.
Call 911 or a doctor if the person has:
A seizure for the first time.
A series of seizures without regaining consciousness in between.
Injuries, including head injuries.
A seizure that lasts longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
A high fever.
A seizure that happens in water, such as a swimming pool or
bathtub.
