What is epilepsy?

If someone is having a seizure:

Stay calm

• Seizures usually end on their own and last from a few seconds to a few minutes

Create a safe space

• Move sharp objects out of the way

• If the person falls, place something soft under their head and roll them on their side as the seizure subsides

• If the person wanders, stay by their side and gently steer them away from danger

Time it

• Note the time the seizure begins and ends

Call 911 if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes

• It repeats without full recovery between seizures

• If consciousness or regular breathing does not return after the seizure ends

• The person is pregnant, has diabetes, appears injured or is in water

• You are not sure the person has epilepsy or a seizure disorder

Provide reassurance

• When the seizure ends, stay with them until complete awareness returns

Don’t …

• Restrain the person

• Put anything in their mouth