What is what to do when someone is seizing?

Here's what to do when someone is seizing:

1. Stay Calm: Your calm presence will help others and the person seizing.

2. Protect the Person from Injury:

   • Clear the area around them of anything hard or sharp.
   • If possible, gently guide them to the floor.
   • Place something soft under their head (like a jacket or pillow).
   • Loosen any tight clothing around their neck.

3. Do Not Restrain Them: Let the seizure run its course. Restraining someone can cause injury.

4. Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: This is an old myth. You cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure. Putting something in their mouth could damage their teeth or jaw, or cause them to choke.

5. Time the Seizure: Note when the seizure started. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, it's considered a medical%20emergency and you should call emergency services.

6. Observe the Seizure: Pay attention to what the person is doing. This information will be helpful for medical professionals. Note things like:

   • What their body is doing (jerking, stiffening, etc.)
   • If they lose consciousness
   • If they lose control of their bladder or bowels
   • How long the seizure lasts

7. After the Seizure:

   • Once the seizure stops, gently turn the person onto their side in the recovery%20position. This will help keep their airway clear.
   • Stay with the person until they are fully conscious and aware.
   • Speak calmly and reassuringly to them.
   • Explain what happened.
   • Offer them comfort and support.

8. When to Call Emergency Services (911 or your local equivalent):

   • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
   • The person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between.
   • The person is injured during the seizure.
   • The person has trouble breathing after the seizure.
   • The person has diabetes or is pregnant.
   • The seizure occurs in water.
   • You don't know the person's history of seizures.
   • This is the person's first seizure.