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Emergency Resources

What to do in case of a seizure

Children

  • Maintain calm around your friend
  • Explain to other friends present that it is an epileptic seizure
  • If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, you must ACT to prevent it from developing into a more severe state. Call 911 or follow an adult's instructions.
During the Seizure

ADOPT the right responses to ensure your friend’s safety and comfort.

The actions to take are simple and accessible to all!

  • LAY the person on their side — this is the recovery position (PLS).

  • Do not give them anything to drink.

  • Do not place any object in their mouth (such as a spoon).

It is often mistakenly believed that a person can swallow their tongue. This is not the case.

After the Seizure
  • The child may be a little confused upon returning to reality and needs to be reassured.
  • Speak softly and calmly. Know that they will not remember the epileptic seizure as they were unconscious; explain what happened to them.
  • They may have lost control of their bowels or bladder during a seizure. Tell them that you know they could not help it.
  • The child may be tired, let them rest.
Download the guide

Adults

Remain calm

  • Allow the seizure to run its course.
  • Note the duration of the seizure
Prevent Injuries

  • If necessary, help the person lie down on the ground. Move hard or sharp objects out of reach. Place something soft under their head and loosen anything tight around their neck.

  • Do not try to restrain the person. Gently turn them onto their left side for the duration of the convulsive seizure to allow saliva or other fluids to drain.

  • DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH. It is impossible to swallow one’s tongue.

  • If the person has an absence seizure, stay with them to prevent injury. Do not try to wake them and allow the seizure to run its course.

Act

  • If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, you must ACT to prevent it from developing into a more severe state. CONTACT 911.
After the Seizure

Speak to the person to reassure them. Stay with them until they are reoriented. They may want to sleep or rest.

Download the guide