Seeing someone have a seizure can be terrifying if you're unprepared. I remember my first encounter like it was yesterday - my college roommate suddenly dropped to the floor during breakfast, jerking uncontrollably. I froze for what felt like an hour, completely useless because I didn't know what to do when people have a seizure. That helpless feeling stuck with me.
This guide fixes that knowledge gap. We'll cover exactly what to do during a seizure step-by-step, bust dangerous myths, and give you practical tools that could save a life. No medical jargon - just clear actions from epilepsy experts and real-world experience.
Understanding Seizures: More Than Just Convulsions
Not all seizures look like the Hollywood version. When planning what to do when people have a seizure, recognize these common types:
| Seizure Type | What It Looks Like | Duration | Most Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) | Falling, shaking, loss of consciousness | 1-3 minutes | All ages |
| Focal (Partial) | Staring, lip smacking, repetitive motions | 30-90 seconds | Teens/adults |
| Absence (Petit Mal) | Brief "zoning out", eye fluttering | 10-20 seconds | Children |
| Atonic (Drop Attacks) | Sudden collapse like a rag doll | <15 seconds | Children |
Fun fact: About 1 in 10 people will have at least one seizure in their lifetime. Triggers range from epilepsy to blood sugar crashes, heat stroke, or even sleep deprivation. The first aid approach differs slightly depending on the type.
Red Flags Before a Seizure
Some people experience "auras" - warning signs like:
- Strange smells or tastes
- Deja vu or intense fear
- Visual disturbances
- Nausea or dizziness
If someone says "I think I'm going to have a seizure," believe them. Help them sit or lie down immediately to prevent falls.
Step-by-Step: Exactly What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure
Imagine you're in a coffee shop when the person at the next table starts convulsing. Here's your exact game plan:
Immediate Actions (First 15 Seconds)
- Clear the area - Move furniture, sharp objects, anything they could hit
- Start timing - Note the exact start time (critical for medical decisions)
- Cushion their head - Use a jacket, pillow, or your hands
- Roll them on their side - Prevents choking if vomiting occurs
I made a mistake during that campus incident by trying to restrain my roommate's movements. Big error - you should never hold people down during convulsions. It can cause muscle tears or fractures.
During the Seizure (The Critical Minutes)
- Protect, don't restrict - Guide limbs gently if they're hitting hazards
- Remove restrictive items - Loosen ties, unbutton collars, take off glasses
- Don't put anything in their mouth - Forget the spoon myth! This causes broken teeth
- Keep crowds back - Give them breathing space and dignity
Seizures often look scarier than they are. Focus on preventing injury - most stop on their own in under 3 minutes.
Pro Tip: If it's safe, record a video. This helps doctors diagnose the seizure type later. Just narrate the time and visible symptoms: "2:15 pm, rhythmic jerking starts in right arm..."
After the Seizure Stops (Post-Ictal Phase)
The person will be confused and exhausted. Here's what to do when people have a seizure and it ends:
| Do This | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Keep them on their side | Prevents choking if fluids are present |
| Stay with them 15-30 minutes | Confusion increases injury risk |
| Speak calmly and simply | "You're safe. You had a seizure." |
| Offer water when fully alert | Prevents dehydration but wait until swallowing returns |
Don't be surprised if they're angry or embarrassed. One woman slapped my hand away when I tried to help her sit up after a seizure. Totally normal reaction.
Dangerous Myths: What NOT to Do During a Seizure
Bad advice spreads faster than good. Avoid these harmful actions:
- ❌ DON'T force anything in their mouth (tongues don't get swallowed)
- ❌ DON'T try CPR (unless they stop breathing AFTER jerking stops)
- ❌ DON'T splash water on faces (doesn't stop seizures)
- ❌ DON'T restrain movements (causes injuries)
I cringe remembering how my uncle insisted on prying open a neighbor's jaw during a seizure. Thankfully, the dentist bill wasn't astronomical.
When to Dial 911: Emergency Red Flags
Most seizures don't require ER visits. Call emergency services if:
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Second seizure starts immediately
- Person is pregnant, diabetic, or injured
- Breathing difficulty after jerking stops
- Seizure happens in water
- No known seizure history
Status epilepticus (seizures lasting >5 minutes) is a medical emergency. Brain damage can start around 30 minutes of continuous seizure activity.
Caring for Specific Groups
Children and Babies
Febrile seizures affect 1 in 25 kids under 5. What to do when kids have a seizure:
- Place baby on firm surface (never hold during convulsions)
- Cool room gradually if fever-related (no ice baths)
- Call pediatrician after first episode
- Record details: eye position, limb movements, skin color
Elderly Individuals
New seizures after 60 often indicate serious issues:
- Check for stroke symptoms (facial droop, slurred speech)
- Inspect for head injuries from falls
- Review medications (some drugs lower seizure threshold)
Seizure First Aid Kits: What to Include
For people with known epilepsy, assemble these essentials:
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue medication | Stop prolonged seizures | Midazolam gel/buccal |
| Emergency contact card | Critical info access | Medications, doctor, allergies |
| Soft face protector | Prevent facial injury | No mouth guards! |
| Portable pillow | Head protection | Inflatable versions available |
FAQ: Your Top What to Do When People Have a Seizure Questions
Should I really not put something in their mouth?
Absolutely not. I've seen more chipped teeth from well-meaning spoon insertions than tongue injuries. The tongue is too muscular to swallow and falls back safely during seizures.
How long is too long for a seizure?
Call 911 if it hits 5 minutes. Brain oxygen drops significantly after that. Time it with your phone stopwatch - perception gets distorted in emergencies.
Can I catch epilepsy from someone seizing?
Zero chance. Epilepsy isn't contagious. This outdated belief prevents people from helping. Dispel this myth whenever you hear it.
Should I give water or food afterward?
Wait until fully alert - usually 15-20 minutes post-seizure. Choking risk is high during confusion. Offer small sips of water first.
What if they wet themselves?
Common and temporary. Cover discreetly with a jacket. Never shame them - it's involuntary and deeply embarrassing for the person.
Creating a Seizure Action Plan
For recurrent seizure disorders, a written plan prevents chaos. Include:
- Rescue medication instructions (dose/administration)
- Emergency contacts (prioritize who to call first)
- Individual warning signs
- Typical recovery time
- Specific triggers to avoid
Schools and workplaces should have copies. Laminate it - I've seen coffee-stained plans become illegible.
Long-Term Support: Beyond the Seizure
After the crisis, practical help matters:
- Help reschedule missed appointments
- Offer transportation (seizure patients often lose driving privileges)
- Check medication adherence
- Watch for depression signs
One woman told me the worst part was colleagues avoiding her after witnessing a seizure. Don't disappear - emotional fallout is real.
Knowing what to do when people have a seizure transforms panic into purpose. Print this guide. Share it with schools and workplaces. You might be the difference between injury and safety when seconds count.
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