How to help if you see someone having a tonic-clonic seizure

You should:

• Protect them from injury by removing any harmful objects that are nearby
• Cushion their head
• Loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie
• Look for an epilepsy card or jewellery
• Note the time the seizure started
• When the jerking stops, open their airway and check their breathing
• If they are breathing put them into the recovery position
• Stay with them until they fully recover monitoring their airway and response level
• Note how long the seizure lasted
• Be calm and reassuring

You should not:

• Restrain their movements
• Put anything in their mouth including your fingers
• Try to move them unless they are in danger
• Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
• Attempt to bring them around

If the person is in a wheelchair, put the brakes on and leave any seatbelt or harness on. Support them gently and cushion their head but do not try to move them.

Calling emergency services

People with epilepsy do not always need emergency medical assistance every time they have a seizure.

Call 999/112 and ask for an ambulance if:

• It is their first seizure
• The seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes
• They are having repeated seizures
• The casualty is unresponsive for more than 10 minutes after the seizure has finished
• They are seriously injured during the seizure or need urgent medical attention