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

How to help someone having a tonic-clonic seizure

How to help someone having a focal impaired awareness seizure

How to help someone having an absence seizure