How to react if somebody has a seizure
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Types of seizure
There are two main types, partial and general.
- Partial seizures: Start in and affect just one part of the brain. During a simple partial seizure the person is awake and aware of what is happening. A complex partial seizure affects a larger part of the brain, so consciousness may be affected and the person may become confused. They may wander around or behave strangely, and they may not understand what they're doing.
- Generalised seizures: These affect all of the brain at once. The person becomes unconscious.
When to dial 999
Usually there's no need to call an ambulance when someone has a seizure, but always dial 999 if:
- It's the person's first seizure.
- They're badly injured or seem concussed.
- They have trouble breathing after the seizure.
- One seizure immediately follows another.
- It lasts five minutes or more and you don't know how long they usually last.
- It's an infant who is convulsing.
If you witness a seizure
- Stay calm.
- Time the seizure.
- Move objects such as furniture away from the person to lessen the risk of injury.
- Only move the person if they are in a dangerous place such as at the top of stairs , near a fire, or on a road.
- Put something soft under their head.
- Do not restrain them, allow the seizure to happen.
- Do not put anything in their mouth -- there is no danger of them swallowing their tongue during the seizure.
- Discourage others from crowding around.
What to do when the jerking has stopped
- Roll them on to their side into the recovery position.
- Wipe their face if necessary, and if their breathing is difficult check the mouth to see if anything is blocking the airway.
- Stay and offer reassurance until they have fully recovered and are able to get home safely.
