An epileptic seizure is caused by a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In a generalised tonic-clonic seizure, the person may fall, stiffen, and then jerk rhythmically, with blue-tinged skin, frothing at the mouth and loss of bladder control. It looks alarming, but most seizures stop on their own within a few minutes. Good epileptic seizure first aid is mostly about protecting the person from injury, keeping the airway safe afterwards and recognising when it is an emergency.
What Happens During an Epileptic Seizure
The person loses awareness, falls if standing and goes rigid. Rhythmic jerking of the limbs follows, with noisy breathing, drooling and sometimes a bitten tongue. Afterwards they are drowsy, confused and often embarrassed, and may have a headache and not remember the event. Other seizure types may involve only staring, lip smacking or brief twitching.
Epileptic Seizure First Aid: 7 Steps
- Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts.
- Protect from injury. Move hard or sharp objects away. If you cannot, pad around them. Cushion the head with a folded jacket if possible.
- Do not restrain the person or try to stop the movements.
- Do not put anything in the mouth. People cannot swallow their tongues, and objects can break teeth, injure the jaw or block the airway.
- Loosen tight clothing at the neck and remove glasses.
- When the jerking stops, roll them onto their side into the recovery position and check that the airway is clear and breathing is normal.
- Stay with them until they are fully alert, speak calmly and clear bystanders to protect their dignity. Check for injuries.
When to Call an Ambulance
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- One seizure follows another without full recovery
- It is the person’s first known seizure
- They are injured, pregnant, diabetic or in water
- They have trouble breathing afterwards or do not wake up
- They hit their head hard, as described in head injuries first aid
A seizure that goes on for more than five minutes is a medical emergency, and the person may need medication given by paramedics.
Common Myths About Epileptic Seizure First Aid
Do not force a spoon or wallet between the teeth, do not hold the person down and do not give food, drink or tablets until they are fully awake. Do not assume the person is intoxicated, since drowsiness and confusion are normal after a seizure. If the person has a seizure plan from their doctor, follow it, which may include emergency medicine given by a trained person.
After the Epileptic Seizure
Let the person rest, offer reassurance and help them contact family or a friend. People with known epilepsy who recover fully may not need an ambulance, but anyone who is hurt, confused for a long time or having repeated seizures does. Employers and schools should keep seizure action plans on file and make sure at least one first aider knows how to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a person swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No. This is a myth. Putting anything in their mouth is more dangerous than doing nothing.
Should I call an ambulance for every seizure?
Not always, but call if it is the first seizure, lasts more than five minutes, repeats, or there is injury or breathing difficulty.
References and Further Reading
Last updated: October 2026
Prepared by: EHS Guidelines Editorial Team
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for accredited first aid training or professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Emergency numbers, medicines and protocols differ between countries, so follow local guidance.
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