What’s the First Thing You Should Do When Someone Has a Seizure?
Witnessing a seizure can be frightening, especially if it happens suddenly and you are unsure how to respond. While most seizures last only a few seconds or minutes, the actions taken during those moments can significantly affect the person’s safety and recovery. Understanding what to do and what not to do helps prevent injury, reduces panic, and supports the individual until the episode passes. This guide explains the first response steps, the reasoning behind each action, and how to support someone both during and after a seizure with confidence and calm awareness. Recognising That a Seizure Is Happening Before responding, it helps to understand what a seizure might look like. Seizures vary widely, but some common signs include: Sudden collapse or loss of awareness. Stiffening of muscles, followed by rhythmic jerking movements. Staring spells or unresponsiveness. Unusual sounds, gasping, or gurgling. Repetitive movements such as lip-smacking or blinking. Confusion or disorientat...
