First Aid for Seizures

Epilepsy Foundation » About Epilepsy & Seizures » First Aid for Seizures » First Aid Steps for Convulsions 

First Aid Steps for Convulsions

(Convulsions, generalized tonic-clonic, grand mal)

Cushion HeadLoosen Necktie
Cushion HeadLoosen Necktie
Turn person on sidePlace Nothing in Mouth
Turn On SideNothing In Mouth
Look for IdentificationDo Not Hold the Person Down
Look For IDDon't Hold Down
As the Seizure endsOffer help
As Seizure Ends...Offer Help

Although most seizures end naturally without emergency treatment, a seizure in someone who does not have epilepsy could be a sign of serious illness. Call for medical assistance if:

  • the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes;
  • there is no "epilepsy/seizure disorder" I.D. present;
  • there is slow recovery, a second seizure, or difficult breathing afterwards;
  • the woman is pregnant or if there is medical I.D. indicating the presence of another medical condition; or
  • there are any signs of injury.