🧠 How to Help Someone Having a Seizure
Seeing someone have a seizure can be scary, but staying calm and knowing what to do can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or a stranger, here’s how you can safely help during a seizure.
🔹 Stay Calm and Stay With Them
Keep yourself calm – they need you to be steady.
Stay with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully awake.
Time the seizure if you can. Most seizures last a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
🔹 Keep Them Safe
Gently help them to the ground if they aren’t already.
Clear the area around them – remove sharp or hard objects like furniture or bags.
Loosen anything around their neck (like ties or scarves).
Do NOT hold them down. Let the seizure run its course.
🔹 Protect Their Head
Place something soft under their head like a jacket, hoodie, or your hands.
🔹 Turn Them on Their Side
If possible, gently roll the person onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
This helps prevent choking, especially if they vomit or have fluid in their mouth.
❌ Don’t Do This:
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❌ Don’t put anything in their mouth – they can’t swallow their tongue, and you could cause injury.
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❌ Don’t try to give them food, drink, or pills during a seizure.
🕐 Call Emergency Services (999 or 112 in UK) if:
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The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
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It’s their first seizure.
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They have trouble breathing or waking up after the seizure.
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They have another seizure straight after the first one.
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They are pregnant, injured, or diabetic.
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You just feel unsure or worried – it’s always okay to ask for help.
✅ After the Seizure
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Stay with them and speak gently.
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They might be confused, tired, or embarrassed – reassure them.
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Help them sit or lie down in a safe, quiet place to recover.
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Offer to call someone they trust or get medical attention if needed.
💙 Your Support Matters
Being there for someone during a seizure is an act of kindness and strength. Just staying calm, keeping them safe, and knowing what not to do can save lives and help them recover with dignity.