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Send to friendWhat to Do If Someone Has a Seizure
| Do | Do Not |
|---|---|
| Stay calm | Do not hold the person down or restrict their movements |
| Help the person lie down and turn them to the side to ease breathing | Do not put anything in the person’s mouth (people who have seizures will NOT swallow their own tongue) |
| Place a pillow, folded clothing or towel behind the head | Do not try to force the person’s mouth open |
| Loosen clothes around the person’s neck | Do not leave the person alone. Stay with the person until after they are fully aware again |
| Remove sharp, hard or dangerous objects from the area | Do not give the person any water, food or medication until they are fully alert |
| Talk to the person in a calm voice, reassuring them (and yourself) during the seizure and as they recover. Reassure others nearby | |
| Time the seizure with your watch. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, call 911 | |
| Offer to assist the person in returning home – call a friend, family member or taxi if they seem confused or unable to return home alone |
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Last updated on July 19th, 2010