Seizure First Aid: Essential Knowledge That Saves Lives

When a seizure happens, the people surrounding you play a critical role in keeping you safe until the event passes. Unfortunately, many people still do not know how to respond correctly during a medical emergency, often relying on outdated myths that can actually cause harm. Ensuring that your family, friends, coworkers, and community members receive proper seizure first aid training is one of the most effective ways to create a safe, supportive environment where you can live your life with peace of mind.

Basic seizure first aid is straightforward and easy for almost anyone to learn. The most important rule during any type of seizure is to remain calm and stay with the person until they are fully alert and aware of their surroundings. For generalized tonic-clonic seizures—where a person loses consciousness and experiences muscle jerks—the primary goal is to protect them from physical injury. Gently help the person down to the floor, clear away nearby sharp or hard objects, and place something soft under their head, such as a folded jacket. Turning the person onto their side helps keep their airway clear and allows fluids to drain safely from their mouth.

Equally important is knowing what not to do during a seizure. You should never try to hold a person down or stop their movements, as restraining someone can result in muscle strain or broken bones. Additionally, never place anything inside a person's mouth. It is physically impossible to swallow one’s tongue, and putting objects like spoons, wallets, or fingers into their mouth can chip teeth or create a dangerous choking hazard. Once the seizure ends, reassure the person in a calm, quiet voice as they slowly regain awareness, which may take several minutes.

Knowing when to call for emergency medical help is another vital part of first aid training. Emergency medical services should be called immediately if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if a second seizure starts right after the first one, or if the person has trouble breathing or waking up afterward. Emergency care is also necessary if the seizure occurs in water, if the person is pregnant or injured, or if it is their very first seizure. Encouraging your workplace, school, or local community group to take a formal, certified seizure first aid course this month helps spread life-saving knowledge and builds a safer world for everyone living with epilepsy.

To schedule your free seizure first aid training, please call (618) 236-2181.

Text and image generated by Gemini AI, October 29, 2026, https://gemini.google.com/app.