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Epilepsy & seizure safety.

Knowing what to do during a seizure can help people respond with calm, dignity, and care.

Seizure first aid

  • Stay with the person and remain calm.
  • Keep them safe by clearing nearby hazards.
  • Turn them gently onto their side when possible.
  • Cushion their head and loosen tight clothing around the neck.
  • Time the seizure and follow their seizure action plan.
  • Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

Call 911 when appropriate

Seek emergency help when a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, repeats without recovery, occurs in water, involves injury or breathing difficulty, happens during pregnancy, or is a person’s first known seizure. Follow the individual’s care plan when one is available.

Trusted sources

CDC seizure first aid

Reviewed July 2026. Educational information is not medical advice.