First Aid During a Seizure

During a seizure, a person may dribble, produce excess saliva, or vomit. This can look worrying, but it is quite common during certain types of seizures. If possible, move the person onto their side and allow any saliva or vomit to drain naturally. When someone is having a seizure, you should:

• Stay calm and reassure others nearby
• Protect them from injury
• Move objects away from the area
• Cushion their head if possible
• Do not restrain their movements
• Do not put anything in their mouth
• Note the time the seizure starts
• Note the time the seizure stops
• Continue timing if another seizure begins immediately
• If the seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, call 999 immediately

Note:

Most seizures stop naturally within 2–3 minutes
Your role is to keep the person safe until the seizure ends