If you need immediate help,
please dial 911

How To Help Someone Who Is Seizing

Call 911

Stay calm. Try to time length of seizure.

How to help during a seizure:

Protect the person from injury
- Keep him or her from falling if you can, or try to guide the person gently to the floor
- Try to move furniture or other objects that might injure the person during the seizure
- If the person is having a seizure and is on the ground when you arrive, try to position the person on his or her side so that fluid can leak out of the mouth. But be careful not to apply too much pressure to the body.
Do not force anything, including your fingers, into the person's mouth. Putting something in the person's mouth may cause injuries to him or her, such as chipped teeth or a fractured jaw. You could also get bitten.
Do not try to hold down or move the person. This can cause injury, such as a dislocated shoulder.

How To Help After A Seizure

Check the person for injuries
If you could not turn the person onto his or her side during the seizure, do so when the seizure ends and the person is more relaxed
If the person is having trouble breathing, use your finger to gently clear his or her mouth of any vomit or saliva. If this does not work, call for emergency help.
Loosen tight clothing around the person's neck and waist
Provide a safe area where the person can rest
Do not offer anything to eat or drink until the person is fully awake and alert
Stay with the person until he or she is awake and familiar with the surroundings. Most people will be sleepy or confused after a seizure.

Help!