What to Do if Someone Has a Seizure
Seeing someone have a seizure can be a very unsettling experience, but staying calm and knowing how to respond can really make a difference. While seizures are often not life-threatening and typically end on their own, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure the person’s safety.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do during and after a seizure, so you can offer support and reassurance. By recognising the signs of a seizure and knowing how to react, you’ll be able to handle the situation confidently and help the person feel safe and cared for.
Common signs and symptoms
Seizures can look different depending on the person and the type of seizure they’re having, but these signs can help you identify what’s happening and provide the right care.
If you’re ever unsure, remember, staying calm and following the basic steps for seizure first aid can always help.
- Shaking or jerking movements (especially in the arms, legs or body)
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements
- Staring blankly or appearing unresponsive
- Unusual movements, such as lip-smacking or hand movements
- Confusion or disorientation after the seizure has ended
Immediate steps to take
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is having a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Knowing the right steps to take can help ensure the person’s safety and prevent any unnecessary injury. Here’s what you should do:
Stay calm
The most important thing is to stay calm. Seizures can be frightening to witness, but the person having the seizure is often unaware of what’s going on. Keep in mind that most seizures last only a few minutes, and they will stop on their own. Focus on making sure the environment is safe for them.
Protect the person from injury
Move any dangerous objects out of the way, such as furniture, sharp objects or anything that could cause harm. If possible, try to gently guide the person away from any hazards. If they are on the ground, you can help protect their head by placing something soft, like a folded jacket or a cushion, underneath it.
Time the seizure
It’s important to time how long the seizure lasts. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if one seizure follows another without recovery in between, seek medical help immediately. Timing the seizure can help healthcare providers understand the situation better.
Do not restrain the person
It’s a natural instinct to want to help by holding the person still, but it’s important to never try to restrain them. This can cause injury to both you and the person having the seizure. Let the seizure take its course while ensuring they’re safe.
Do not put anything in their mouth
Despite a common misconception, never place anything in the person’s mouth during a seizure. Doing so can lead to injury, including broken teeth, choking, or accidental swallowing of foreign objects. Instead, focus on making sure they’re in a safe position.
Place the person on their side (If possible)
If the person is lying down, gently turn them onto their side, which helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking. This can be especially important if the person vomits or has excessive drooling during the seizure.
Stay with the person
Remain with the person until the seizure ends and they regain full awareness. They may be confused, frightened or disoriented once the seizure stops, so offering comfort and reassurance can help them feel safe and cared for.
What to do after the seizure
Once the seizure has ended, the person may feel disoriented, confused or extremely tired. It’s important to offer comfort and support during the recovery phase. Here’s what you can do:
Ensure comfort and reassure the person
Once the seizure stops, gently help the person to a safe position if they haven’t already fallen or are lying on the ground. Keep them as comfortable as possible. They may be confused or scared, so offering calm, reassuring words can help them feel more at ease. It’s important to let them know that they’re safe and that the seizure has passed.
Allow time to recover
After the seizure, the person may be drowsy or feel disoriented for several minutes to even hours. Give them time to rest and regain their awareness. Some individuals might need help sitting up, drinking water, or simply getting comfortable. Avoid overwhelming them with too many questions or information until they’ve fully recovered.
Monitor their condition
Keep a close eye on how they’re feeling in the moments following the seizure. Look for signs of confusion, dizziness or difficulty waking up. If they don’t seem to be recovering as expected or if they remain unconscious for an extended period, seek medical help immediately.
Offer reassurance
After a seizure, it’s common for the person to feel embarrassed, frightened or vulnerable. This is a good time to provide emotional support. Let them know that they’ve had a seizure, but that they’re okay and that you’ll stay with them until they feel better.
When to seek medical attention
- First-time seizure: If this is the person’s first-ever seizure, you should seek medical attention.
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes: If the seizure goes on for more than 5 minutes, call 999 immediately.
- Multiple seizures without recovery: If the person has more than one seizure in a row without regaining full consciousness in between, call for help.
- Injury during the seizure: If the person has injured themselves during the seizure, seek medical attention, even if the seizure has stopped.
- Breathing or waking issues: If they have difficulty breathing or are not waking up after the seizure, seek immediate medical help.
Looking for support?
At Trinity Homecare, we offer both visiting and live-in care services to support you or your loved ones. We work with a variety of conditions and have specially trained carers who can support you straight away.
We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry service, including a free needs assessment conducted in your home with our professional team. Simply complete our online enquiry form and we will get in touch.
