Seizure First Aid
Remember the 3 S'S
Stay Safe Side
Knowing how to help someone during a seizure can make a difference and save a life. While there are many different types of seizures, during many of them a person may be confused, not aware of what is going on, or unconscious. A person could get hurt during a seizure or a seizure could last too long, or the seizures could cluster.
Step 1
Stay
Stay with the person until they are awake and alert after the seizure. Time the seizure, remain calm, and check for medical ID.
Step 2
Safe
Keep the person safe by moving or guiding them away from harm.
Step 3
Side
Turn the person onto their side if they are not awake and aware. Keep the airway clear, loosen tight clothes around neck, and put something small and soft under their head.
Call 911 if...
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Person does not return to their usual state
- Person is injured, pregnant, or sick
- Repeated seizures
- First-time seizure
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizure occurs in water
Do NOT restrain
Never hold the person down during a seizure.
Do NOT put any objects in their mouth
Rescue medications can be given if prescribed by a health care professional.
For Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures:
(Complex Partial Seizures)
- Gently redirect from, block, or remove hazards.
- Explain what is happening to bystanders.
- Do not restrain forcefully.
- When the seizure ends, ask the person their name and location, and help to reorient.
Become Seizure First Aid Certified
While everyone should know basic seizure first aid, becoming Seizure First Aid Certified takes you further. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan offers customizable training for school personnel, nurses, employers, and more.
Upcoming Trainings
View scheduled Seizure First Aid & Recognition training sessions.
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On-Demand Learning Portal
Explore the Epilepsy Learning Portal for self-paced courses.
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Request Custom Training
Get customized training for your school, workplace, or organization.
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Watch & Learn
Michael is on the free-throw line when suddenly something is wrong. His coach recognizes what’s happening, “He’s having a seizure.” He springs into action because he knows what to do: he knows Seizure First Aid. Do you know what to do?
Free downloads
Resources & Materials
Download free seizure first aid materials to share with your school, workplace, or community.
Seizure First Aid Poster
A printable poster summarizing the #StaySafeSide steps for classrooms, offices, and public spaces.
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Seizure Action Plan
A fillable form to document an individual's seizure history, triggers, and emergency contacts.
Download
Classroom Toolkits
One-stop-shop to help educators confidently teach students how to recognize seizures and provide first aid in an emergency.
Access toolkits