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⚡ What Do I Do If My Friend Is Having a Seizure?

Seeing someone have a seizure can be alarming, but most seizures stop on their own within a few minutes. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — can make a huge difference to your friend’s safety and recovery.

Here’s how to stay calm and help effectively.

⚠️ Step One: Keep Them Safe

If your friend starts to have a seizure:

1. Stay calm and note the time.
   Most seizures last only a few minutes — but start timing so you can tell paramedics if needed.

2. Protect them from injury.

   • Move nearby objects and furniture away.

   • Cushion their head with something soft (like a folded jacket).

3. Do not restrain them.
   Let the seizure run its course — trying to hold them down could cause injury.

4. Do not put anything in their mouth.
   They will not swallow their tongue, and objects in the mouth can cause choking.

💨 Step Two: After the Seizure

When the jerking or shaking stops:

1. Check their breathing.

   • If they’re breathing normally, gently roll them onto their side in the recovery position.

   • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.

2. Stay with them and reassure them.
   They may be confused, tired, or emotional when they wake up. Speak gently and stay calm.

3. Allow them to rest.
   Seizures are exhausting — it’s normal for them to need to sleep afterwards.

🚑 Step Three: Call 999 or 112 If:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

• Another seizure begins soon after the first.

• The person has trouble breathing or waking up afterwards.

• The person is injured, pregnant, or diabetic.

• It’s their first seizure or you’re unsure what caused it.

If your friend has epilepsy, they may have a care plan or medication (such as emergency midazolam). Follow their plan if you’re trained to do so.

🧠 Step Four: What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t give them food, drink, or medication until they’re fully alert.

• ❌ Don’t panic if they bite their tongue — it may bleed but usually heals quickly.

• ❌ Don’t try to move them unless they’re in danger.

💡 Quick Tip: Spotting Different Types of Seizures

Not all seizures involve shaking or falling to the ground.
Some may look like:

• Blank stares or unresponsiveness

• Repeated movements (lip-smacking, fiddling)

• Sudden collapse or confusion

If you’re unsure what’s happening, treat it as a seizure and keep them safe until help arrives.

Learn to Respond with Confidence

DAC Education’s First Aid and Emergency Response courses include hands-on seizure management training — so you’ll know exactly what to do if a friend, colleague, or stranger needs your help.

👉 Book a First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)

Disclaimer

This article offers general first aid guidance for public use. Always call 999 or 112 if you are unsure, or if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.