What to Do If You See Someone Having a Seizure

1) Ensure safety and check breathing

Stay calm and note breathing. Brief bluish discoloration around the lips can occur during a seizure and often resolves within a minute. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or normal breathing does not resume afterwards, call emergency services immediately.

2) Protect the person from injury

If possible, guide them to the ground, clear nearby hazards, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and place something soft (e.g., a folded jacket) under the head.

3) Do not restrain or put anything in the mouth

Jerking movements are involuntary. Holding the person down can cause injury and won’t stop the seizure. Do not place objects in the mouth—this does not prevent tongue-biting and can obstruct the airway.

4) Allow recovery time

Most seizures last 30–90 seconds. A recovery (postictal) period of confusion or drowsiness may follow; stay with the person until fully alert and offer reassurance.

5) Seek medical help when needed

• If this is the person’s first known seizure, medical evaluation is essential.
• If they have a seizure history, a single typical event may not require the ER unless it is unusually long, repeats without recovery, or causes significant injury—contact their neurology provider for guidance.

6) Safety precautions after a seizure

Avoid higher-risk activities until a medical provider clears them: swimming or bathing alone, climbing ladders, operating heavy machinery, or driving. Driving rules vary by U.S. state and often require a seizure-free interval and clinician clearance.

Bottom line

Stay calm, keep the person safe, don’t put anything in their mouth, and seek medical help if the seizure is prolonged or it’s a first episode. Your steady response helps protect them and ensures appropriate care.