Telephone: 212-305-1742 || Email: ar2945@columbia.edu

SEIZURE FIRST AID

» What is Epilepsy?
» Treatment of Epilepsy
» Seizure Precautions
» Seizure First Aid

Seizure First Aid describes what to do (or not do) in the event a family member or friend has a seizure. The following is a brief list that can be applied to all types of seizures.

For seizures lasting less than 5 minutes:

If the person is falling, help him or her to the ground. Protect the person from nearby hazards.
Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing.
Turn the person on his/her side in order to keep the air passages open.
Look for medical identification.
Reassure the person as he/she awakens from the seizure.
Do not place anything in the person's mouth. A person who has a seizure cannot swallow his/her tongue.
However, objects which are placed in the mouth can cause injury or choking.
Do not attempt to give the patient medications, unless he/she requests it.
Do not restrain the patient.
Do not panic. Most seizures stop on their own after one to two minutes.

For seizures lasting more than 5 minutes:

For repeated seizures:

If the person does not wake up after the movements have stopped:

Call an ambulance or other emergency medical personnel (911).

Seizures during swimming:

Support the person's head above water, and help to bring him/her to the shore or side of the pool. Check that the person is still breathing, and perform mouth-to-mouth respiration if he/she is not. Call an ambulance or other emergency medical personnel (911).