If someone has a seizure, the key steps to take are:
- Stay calm and remain with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully awake.
- Clear the area around the person of any hard or sharp objects to prevent injury.
- Gently ease the person to the floor and turn them onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
- Cushion their head with something soft.
- Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements.
- Do not put anything in their mouth — they cannot swallow their tongue and inserting objects can cause injury.
- Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately.
- After the seizure, help the person sit in a safe place, comfort them, and speak calmly.
- Do not offer food, drink, or medications until they are fully alert.
- Call emergency services if it is their first seizure, if they have difficulty breathing or waking, if they have another seizure soon after, or if they get injured during the seizure.
These steps help protect the person during a seizure and ensure they get appropriate assistance when needed.
