When witnessing a seizure: move dangerous objects away, place something soft under the person’s head, do not put anything in their mouth, and do not restrain their movements. After the seizure stops, place them in the recovery position on their side. Call emergency services (997) if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, repeats, or is the person’s first seizure.
Imagine you are in a café or a public place, and suddenly someone collapses, their body stiffens, then begins shaking violently, with foam coming from their mouth. Panic spreads around you, and someone shouts: “Hold their tongue!” while another tries to force a spoon into their mouth. In that moment, good intentions can turn into disaster.
The shocking truth is that much of the harm suffered by epilepsy patients does not come from the seizure itself, but from the wrong help provided by bystanders. As a first aid responder with 20 years of field experience, I have seen broken teeth, injured fingers, and dislocated shoulders—all caused by people trying to help incorrectly. In this guide, you will learn exactly what to do and what to avoid to make a real difference. Let’s begin.
What Is a Seizure and How Does It Look?
A seizure is a sudden, temporary electrical disturbance in the brain, causing changes in movement, behavior, or awareness. The most recognizable form is convulsive seizure with loss of consciousness.
It happens when brain cells fire uncontrolled electrical signals all at once, creating a kind of “electrical storm” that temporarily disrupts normal brain function.
According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 10 people may experience a seizure at least once in their lifetime, meaning it is highly likely you may witness one.
Most seizures end within 2–3 minutes, and the person is usually not in pain during the event, as they are often unconscious. However, afterward they may feel confusion, fatigue, and memory loss.
Common Signs of a Seizure
Sudden body stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking movements
Loss of consciousness or staring blankly
Drooling or foam at the mouth, sometimes tongue biting
Bluish lips due to temporary breathing changes
Loss of bladder or bowel control in some cases
Types of Seizures and Their Symptoms
Not all seizures involve violent convulsions; some appear as brief staring or confusion.
Seizures are medically classified based on where they start in the brain:
Generalized seizures affect the entire brain. The most common type is tonic-clonic seizure, where the body stiffens and then shakes with loss of consciousness.
Focal seizures begin in one part of the brain. The person may remain partially aware or appear confused, repeating movements like chewing or fidgeting without awareness.
This distinction is important: seizures with preserved awareness usually require only protection and reassurance, while seizures with loss of consciousness require physical safety measures.
What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure (Step-by-Step)
When you see a seizure:
Stay calm and remain with the person
Record the start time of the seizure
Move dangerous objects away
Place something soft under the head and remove glasses
Loosen tight clothing around the neck
Do not restrain movements
After the seizure stops, place them in the recovery position on their side
Stay with them until full recovery and reassure them
Your role is not to stop the seizure—it will usually stop on its own—but to prevent injury.
Dangerous Mistakes to Avoid During First Aid
The most dangerous mistakes include:
Putting anything in the person’s mouth
Restraining their movements
Trying to stop the seizure physically
Giving water, food, or medication before full recovery
Crowd gathering and shouting, which increases confusion
Never Put Anything in the Mouth
Never place anything in the mouth of a seizure patient. The idea of “swallowing the tongue” is a myth.
The tongue cannot be swallowed, as it is attached at its base.
Putting objects in the mouth can cause broken teeth, airway blockage, or injury to the rescuer. Airway protection is achieved by placing the person in the recovery position after the seizure ends.
Do Not Restrict Movement
Do not hold or restrain the person during a seizure. This will not stop the seizure and may cause fractures, dislocations, or muscle injuries.
Your role is only to protect them from surrounding hazards.
When to Call Emergency Services (997)
Call emergency services immediately if:
The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
Seizures repeat without recovery
It is the person’s first seizure
Breathing difficulties occur
Injury happens during the seizure
The seizure occurs in water
The person is pregnant, diabetic, or has heart disease
After the Seizure: Recovery Position
After the seizure stops, place the person on their side (recovery position) with the mouth facing downward to keep the airway clear.
They may be confused or tired afterward. Speak calmly, explain what happened, and avoid giving food or water until full consciousness returns.
Seizures in Children
In children, seizures are often related to fever (febrile seizures). Although frightening, they are usually not dangerous.
The same first aid principles apply:
Keep the child safe
Place them on their side
Do not put anything in the mouth
Do not restrain them
Call emergency services if the seizure exceeds 5 minutes
Epilepsy and Daily Life
Epilepsy does not end a normal life. With proper treatment, most patients live fully functional lives.
Driving and work may require medical clearance depending on seizure control.
Support and awareness from family and colleagues are essential to reduce stigma and ensure safety.
Conclusion
First aid for seizures requires calmness, awareness, and simple correct steps. Your role is to protect—not to stop the seizure.
Remember:
Protect the person from injury
Do not put anything in the mouth
Do not restrain movements
Time the seizure
Place in recovery position afterward
Call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes
This knowledge can be the difference between safety and serious harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put a spoon or object in the mouth?
No. This is dangerous and can cause serious injury. The tongue cannot be swallowed.
What should I do first?
Stay calm, remove hazards, and time the seizure.
When should I call an ambulance?
If it lasts more than 5 minutes, repeats, or is the first seizure.
Should I restrain the person?
No, this can cause injuries.
What should I do after the seizure?
Place them in the recovery position and stay with them.
Are seizures in children dangerous?
Usually related to fever and not dangerous, but require monitoring.