Seizure First Aid

Seizure First Aid

Seizure First Aid – Introduction

This section provides clear and practical information on Seizure First Aid for people in Canada. It is designed to help you understand what to do safely at home if someone has a seizure. This guidance focuses on first aid and prevention, not on full medical training or detailed treatment plans.

Seizures can be frightening, but knowing the right steps can protect the person having one and reduce risks. This information aims to empower you to act calmly and effectively while waiting for professional help if needed.

In this section, you will learn:

• What actions are safe and helpful to take at home during a seizure
• What you must avoid doing to prevent harm
• When To Call 911 or seek urgent medical care immediately

Remember, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if the person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, or if they have difficulty breathing or severe injury, call 911 right away. These situations require urgent medical attention.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Seizure First Aid – Key facts

• Seizure First Aid focuses on keeping the person safe during a seizure and preventing injury.
• Do not restrain the person or try to stop their movements; this can cause harm.
• Clear the area around the person to protect them from sharp or hard objects.
• Place something soft and flat under their head to prevent head injury.
• Do not put anything in their mouth or attempt to give food, drink, or medication during a seizure.
• Time the seizure; if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911 or local emergency services immediately.
• Call 911 if the person has difficulty breathing, does not regain consciousness, or has repeated seizures without recovery.

Seizure First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Seizure First Aid begins with knowing how to spot symptoms and understand their severity. Seizures can vary from mild to severe, and recognising danger signs helps you act quickly and safely.

Mild symptoms

• Brief staring spells or unresponsiveness
• Subtle twitching of a finger or hand
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking

These symptoms may not require emergency care but should be monitored closely. Keep the person safe and note the duration of symptoms.

Moderate symptoms

• Repeated jerking movements of limbs
• Loss of awareness lasting more than a minute
• Difficulty breathing or unusual noises

Moderate symptoms need urgent medical assessment. If symptoms last longer than 5 minutes or the person does not recover quickly, seek urgent care or call 911.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes
• Multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
• Difficulty breathing or turning blue
• Injury during the seizure
• Seizure in pregnancy or with diabetes
• First-time seizure

These signs indicate a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not delay or attempt to manage severe seizures at home.

Seizure First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

If someone is having a seizure, it is important to stay calm and act quickly to keep them safe. These seizure first aid steps can be done at home or in the community while waiting for help.

What you can do right away

• Gently guide the person to the floor if they are not already lying down.
• Clear the area around them of any sharp or hard objects to prevent injury.
• Turn the person onto their side to help keep their airway clear and prevent choking.
• Place something soft, like a folded jacket, under their head to protect it.
• Time the seizure to know how long it lasts.
• Stay with the person and speak calmly until the seizure ends and they are fully alert.

What you must NOT do

• Do not try to hold the person down or stop their movements.
• Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers or objects.
• Do not give food, drink, or medication until they are fully awake and alert.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

• Call 911 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• Call 911 if another seizure starts right after the first one.
• Call 911 if the person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness after the seizure.
• Call 911 if the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes.
• Seek urgent care if this is the person’s first seizure or if you are unsure about their condition.

Seizure First Aid – What NOT to do

When providing seizure first aid, certain actions can cause harm or make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the person safe.

Do NOT put anything in the person’s mouth

Never try to force food, water, or any object into the mouth during a seizure. This can cause choking, dental damage, or airway blockage.

Do NOT restrain the person

Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements. Restraining can lead to injuries for both you and the person having the seizure.

Do NOT leave the person alone

Stay with them throughout the seizure and until they are fully alert. Leaving them alone increases the risk of injury or complications.

Do NOT attempt to give medication or perform medical procedures

Do not try to administer medication or perform any invasive actions. These require professional training and can be dangerous.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

• If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
• If another seizure starts immediately after the first
• If the person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness
• If the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes
• If this is their first seizure

In any of these cases, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.

Seizure First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is crucial for effective seizure first aid. Immediate action can save lives and prevent complications.

Call 911 immediately if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or repeats without full recovery between episodes.
• The person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness after the seizure.
• The seizure occurs in water or causes injury such as a head wound or broken bone.
• The person is pregnant, diabetic, or has another serious medical condition.
• This is the person’s first seizure.

Go to the emergency department or urgent care if:

• The seizure stops but the person remains confused, weak, or has difficulty speaking or moving.
• There are Signs of infection, such as fever or stiff neck, following the seizure.
• The person has repeated seizures over a short period but is conscious between episodes.
• Seizures occur after a head injury.

When to see a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic

If the seizure was brief, the person recovers fully, and there are no injuries or other concerning symptoms, arrange a follow-up with a family doctor. This helps identify any underlying causes and plan ongoing care.

Always prioritise safety. If you are unsure about the severity of the situation, it is safer to call 911 or go to the emergency department.

Seizure First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After a seizure, careful monitoring and self-care are important to support recovery and prevent complications. Most people can safely rest at home, but it is essential to watch for any changes that may require urgent attention.

Monitoring at home

Stay with the person until they are fully alert and aware. Check their breathing and responsiveness regularly. It is normal to feel tired or confused for a while after a seizure.

• Keep the environment calm and quiet.
• Offer water once they are fully awake and able to swallow safely.
• Note the time and duration of the seizure for medical follow-up.

What to avoid

• Do not give food, drink, or medication until the person is fully alert.
• Avoid restraining or forcing movement during recovery.
• Do not leave the person alone until they have recovered awareness.

When to seek medical care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if any of the following occur:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures happen without full recovery.
• Breathing is difficult or stops.
• The person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes.
• There is no return to normal consciousness after the seizure.

For non-emergency concerns, book a follow-up appointment with a doctor to discuss the seizure, review medications, and plan ongoing care. Watch for delayed warning signs such as persistent confusion, weakness, or new symptoms, and seek medical advice promptly if they appear.

Following these steps helps ensure safe recovery and proper management of seizure first aid.

Seizure First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing seizures starts with creating a safe environment at home, work, school, and in the community. Simple changes and habits can reduce the risk of seizure triggers and protect those who may experience seizures.

Safe habits and routines

• Ensure regular sleep patterns, as lack of sleep can trigger seizures.
• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which may increase seizure risk.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counselling when needed.

Environmental safety

• Remove sharp or hard objects from areas where a seizure might occur.
• Use safety equipment such as helmets during activities with a risk of head injury.
• Install grab bars and non-slip mats in bathrooms to prevent falls.
• Ensure good lighting to reduce the chance of trips and falls.

At school and work

• Inform supervisors or teachers about the seizure condition to ensure prompt help if needed.
• Have a clear plan for what to do during a seizure, including when to call 911.
• Encourage regular breaks and stress management to avoid triggers.

Remember, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if another seizure starts immediately after the first, or if the person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness, call 911 or local emergency services right away. These steps help keep everyone safe while managing seizure risks effectively.

Seizure First Aid – FAQs

What should I do if someone has a seizure?

Stay calm and protect the person from injury by moving sharp or hard objects away. Cushion their head with something soft. Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure if possible. When the seizure stops, place them on their side to keep the airway clear.

When should I call 911 during a seizure?

• If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• If another seizure starts right after the first one.
• If the person has difficulty breathing or does not regain consciousness.
• If the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes.

Can I give the person food, drink, or medication during a seizure?

No. Do not give anything by mouth during a seizure. Wait until they are fully alert and able to swallow safely before offering food, drink, or medication.

How can I help prevent seizures?

Encourage the person to follow their healthcare provider’s advice, take prescribed medications regularly, and avoid known triggers such as lack of sleep or alcohol. Always seek medical advice for personalized prevention strategies.

Is it safe to care for someone at home after a seizure?

Yes, if the person recovers fully, is alert, and has no injuries. Stay with them until they feel better. If you notice confusion, weakness, or repeated seizures, seek urgent medical care.

Seizure First Aid – Summary

Seizure first aid focuses on keeping the person safe and comfortable until the seizure ends or help arrives. At home, you can gently guide them away from hazards and place something soft under their head. Do not restrain their movements or put anything in their mouth. Stay with the person and time the seizure. After it stops, help them rest on their side to keep the airway clear.

It is important to call 911 or local emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if another seizure starts right after the first, or if the person has trouble breathing, is injured, or does not regain consciousness. Urgent care or emergency department visits are also needed if the person is pregnant, has diabetes, or if this is their first seizure.

Remember, seizure first aid is about safety and support. Avoid actions that could cause harm, and seek professional medical help when needed. Knowing when to call for emergency help can save lives and reduce complications.

• Health Canada – Epilepsy and Seizures
• Mayo Clinic – Seizure First Aid
• World Health Organization – Epilepsy
• Canadian Red Cross – Seizures

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.