First aid
First aid during a seizure
A short, clear guide. Print it and display it in visible places.
What to do
- 1Stay calm and time the seizure.
- 2Protect the head with something soft.
- 3Remove hard or sharp objects.
- 4Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- 5Gently lay the person on their side as soon as possible.
- 6Stay with the person until they are fully conscious again.
What not to do
- Do not put anything in the mouth.
- Do not hold the person down or block their movements.
- Do not give water, medication or food during the seizure.
- Do not move the person, unless they are in danger.
- Do not perform CPR if the person is still breathing.
Call 112 if...
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- A new seizure follows shortly after the first.
- The person stops breathing or does not regain consciousness.
- There is an injury, or it happens in water.
- It is a first seizure.
- The person is pregnant, has diabetes or another serious condition.