One of the most important things to know when you know someone who has epilepsy is how to respond safely when a seizure occurs.

First aid for seizures is basically simple. It consists of keeping the person safe until the seizure ends naturally after a minute or two. But people have many misconceptions about what should be done. As many as two out of three will do at least one thing that is wrong, and even potentially harmful. The following information is to help you respond correctly and to give you information to help others do the right thing when someone has a seizure.

What to do for a convulsion

The most well known type of seizure is a convulsion, where the person suddenly loses consciousness, falls, stiffens and then begins to jerk as muscles tense and relax, tense and relax. The jerking movements then slow and stop, and consciousness slowly returns. This type of seizure is called a generalized tonic clonic or grand mal seizure.

Here are some of the things a person should do if someone has a convulsive seizure:

• Protect the person from nearby hazards
• Don't restrain movements
• Loosen anything tight around neck
• Don't put anything in mouth
• Protect head from injury
• Don't try to give anything to drink
• Turn on one side so the person won't choke
• Keep track of how long the seizure lasts
• Be a friend and helpful when the person wakes up

What about calling 911?

Most seizures do not require a visit to the emergency room. Most end after a couple of minutes and people are awake and aware again soon after, although they may be tired and want to rest.

It isn't usually necessary to call 911 each time a person has a seizure. But, there are times when 911 should always be called. They are if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes,
• Another seizure starts up after the first,
• The person is injured in any way,
• There is another medical condition, such as diabetes or pregnancy

What to do for other types of seizure?

One of the most common types of seizure causes people to lose touch with their surroundings and, for a few minutes, to be quite unaware of where they are or what they're doing. It's called a complex partial seizure.

Here's what should be done during this type of seizure:

• Stay calm
• Don't shout at or grab hold of the person
• Block the way to any hazard, like a hot stove, busy street or stairs
• Speak softly and be reassuring
• Explain to others what is happening
• Offer help as the seizure ends and the person slowly become fully aware again.

When the seizure's in water

A person having a seizure while in water should be supported in the water with their head tilted so the face and head stay above the surface. The person should be helped out of the water as soon as possible. Once on dry land, friends should make sure the person is breathing - if not, they should begin rescue breathing at once and call 911.

If a person has had a seizure in water they should go to the emergency room for a checkup, even if they seem to be fully recovered. Damage to the heart and lungs can take place if a lot of water has been swallowed.

Why a medical I.D. helps

Sometimes people misunderstand seizures and confuse them with other health problems. If a person with epilepsy wears a medical I.D. for epilepsy or seizure disorder, there is a much better chance that the seizure will be recognized and handled properly. Necklace or bracelet medical I.D.s are available at most drug stores.