Seizures are often unpredictable. They can occur at any moment, in any place. Though they may look life-threatening, seizures are usually not medical emergencies. Most end naturally after a few seconds to a couple of minutes without ill effects, and do not require emergency care.

Following the seizure, the person may need a brief rest period, and will soon be able to return to his or her normal activity.

First aid procedures for seizures are simple and easy to learn, but many people are unaware of what to do. The most dangerous first aid myth is to stick something in the person’s mouth during a seizure. One should never stick anything in the mouth as this can seriously injure the person.

There are proper first aid measures to take for convulsive and non-convulsive seizures. Three main points to remember for seizure first aid are:

1. Stay Calm

2. Time It

3. Keep The Person Safe 

If the person has never had a seizure before, then a seizure is a medical emergency - CALL 911. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, provide the same first aid as described here for a person with epilepsy. Observers can help provide vital information for the health care provider. When the seizure has ended be sure to have witnesses record what they observed before, during and after the seizure. This information can be helpful in determining the type of seizure and in making a diagnosis. It is also helpful if someone who witnessed the seizure can accompany the person to their medical appointment in case the physician or nurse practitioner has specific questions.

If a person has a diagnosis of epilepsy, or a seizure disorder, then a seizure is usually NOT a medical emergency. Simply (1) remain calm, (2) time it and (3) keep the person safe. Situations when a seizure would be a medical emergency for a person with epilepsy are: if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes; if a second seizure occurs before the person has fully recovered from the first; if regular breathing does not return when the seizure has ended; if the person has been injured; if the person has diabetes; if the person is pregnant; if the seizure occurs in water; if confusion persists for an hour after the seizure ends. 

Steps to follow during a tonic-clonic (convulsive) seizure

• Stay calm.
• Prevent injury by ensuring there is nothing within reach that could harm the person during the seizure.
• Time the seizure, if the seizure continues for longer than five minutes, call 911.
• Try to make the person as comfortable as possible e.g. laying a jacket as a pillow under their head.
• Keep onlookers away.
• Never attempt to restrain the person as both people could become injured during the seizure.
• Never put anything in the person's mouth. Contrary to popular belief, a person having a seizure is incapable of swallowing their tongue. Attempting to force a foreign object into someone's mouth during a seizure can cause serious damage to a persons gums and teeth.
• Do not give the person water, pills, or food until fully alert.
• Turn the person on their side, it is easier to breathe and this allows for any saliva to drain.
• When the seizure ends, gently tell the person where they are and what has happened. Offer to take the person to a place where they can rest.
• Remain with the person until full awareness returns. If confusion persists for an hour after the seizure ends, call 911.