Seizure first aid

During convulsions

1. Make the area safe. Move dangerous objects away. Move the person only if they are in immediate danger. ^{[1] [5]}
2. Protect the head and time the seizure. Place something soft under the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and note when the seizure starts and ends. ^[1]
3. Do not restrain the person. Do not hold the person down or put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. ^{[1] [5]}

After the convulsions stop

Check responsiveness and breathing. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 112, use speakerphone and start CPR following the call handler’s instructions. If you are not trained to give rescue breaths to an adult, give continuous chest compressions. Use an AED as soon as available, following its prompts. ^{[3] [4]}

If breathing is normal, place the person on their side once the convulsions stop. Stay with them, explain calmly what happened and monitor their return to full awareness. Do not offer food or drink until they are fully alert. ^[1]

Seizures without convulsions

Stay with the person, speak calmly and gently guide them away from danger. Do not forcibly restrict their movements. Stay until they have fully recovered. ^[5]

Individual emergency plan

Follow the person’s agreed emergency plan if they have one. Give rescue medication only as specified in that plan and only if you are trained to do so. Do not change the dose or route yourself. ^{[1] [2]}

What to tell the call handler

Give the exact location and describe the event and the person’s condition. Answer questions and stay on the line until the operator ends the call. ^[4]