Stay calm. Protect. Time.
Do
- Stay with the person and time the seizure.
- Move hazards away and cushion the head if they are on the ground.
- Gently turn someone lying down onto their side, keeping their mouth directed downwards.
- Stay nearby as they recover and offer reassurance when alert.
Don’t
- Do not hold the person down.
- Do not put fingers, a spoon or any other object in their mouth.
- Do not give food or drink until fully alert.
Source: CDC · Seizure first aid .
Call for emergency help if…
- A seizure lasts five minutes or longer, or another follows soon afterwards.
- Breathing or waking is difficult afterwards.
- It is a first seizure, or the person is injured, pregnant, in water, or has diabetes and loses consciousness.
In India, call 112 . Follow emergency-service instructions.
Source: CDC · Seizure first aid , Government of India · Emergency Response Support System .
Sources & editorial note
Sources checked 21 October 2026. These independent sources support the general information above; they do not endorse this practice.
Prepared from published patient guidance. Clinical review by Dr. Agarwal is pending. This is education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan; follow your treating team’s advice. Emergency contact information has been localised for India.