top of page

LEARN ABOUT
EPILEPSY FOUNDATION TEXAS

When Someone has a Seizure

Seizures can be startling to witness—but for most people living with epilepsy, a seizure is not a medical emergency. If you see someone having a seizure, your most important role is simple: stay calm and help keep them safe.

In most cases, seizures stop on their own. Following basic seizure first aid steps can prevent injury and provide reassurance during a stressful moment.

What to Do to Help During a Seizure

Stay

  • Stay with the person and remain calm.

  • Time the seizure using a watch or phone.

  • Gently place something soft under their head, such as a jacket or sweatshirt.

​

Safe

  • Do not restrain the person.

  • Move objects away that could cause injury.

  • If the person is moving, gently guide them away from danger (traffic, sharp edges, stairs).

​

Side

  • If the person is not awake or aware, gently roll them onto their side to help keep the airway clear.

  • Loosen tight clothing around the neck, such as ties or scarves.

  • Keep something soft under their head for protection.​​

​

First Aid.jpg

Important to Know:
A person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Do not put anything in their mouth. This can cause serious injury to both you and the person having the seizure.
Do not attempt CPR or artificial respiration during the seizure.

When to Call for Emergency Help (911)

Most seizures are not emergencies, but call for medical help if any of the following occur:

  • The seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer

  • Another seizure begins right after the first without recovery in between

  • The person does not return to their usual state

  • The person is injured, pregnant, or has a medical condition such as diabetes

  • There is difficulty breathing after the seizure

  • The seizure occurs in water

  • This is the person’s first known seizure

  • The person asks for medical help

Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it’s okay to call for help.

1-22_edited.jpg

Stay, after the seizure

  • Stay with the person until they are fully alert.

  • Give them space and help clear any crowd that may have gathered.

  • Speak calmly and reassuringly as they regain awareness.

  • Offer practical help, such as calling a friend or arranging transportation, if needed.

Kindness and reassurance go a long way after a seizure.

Learn More: Seizure First Aid Training from The Epilepsy Foundation

EFTX encourages everyone—parents, caregivers, teachers, coworkers, and community members—to learn seizure first aid.

Through the Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure First Aid Training, you can:

  • Learn how to respond confidently during a seizure

  • Understand different seizure types

  • Earn a free Seizure First Aid certification

epi-2.png

Contact

Suzanne_edited.jpg

Interested in learning more about seizure first aid traning? Questions? Please contact:

Suzanne Thomas

sthomas@eftx.org

(713) 789-6295  ext. 205

bottom of page