Seizure First Aid: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

 When your child does have a seizure, it can be frightening and overwhelming—especially for parents and caregivers who have never experienced it before. But with the right information and calm action, you can keep your child safe and give them the help they need at that emergency moment.


This manual takes you through the basics of first aid for seizures, tailored specifically for caregivers and parents of children with epilepsy or other neurological conditions.


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Understanding Seizures


A seizure is a sudden outburst of brain electrical activity that can influence behavior, movement, emotions, or awareness. Seizures are highly variable in look and feel—ranging from brief staring spells to convulsions of the entire body. Not all seizures are emergencies, but all require proper care and observation.


Two general categories exist:


Focal (Partial) Seizures: Involves one part of the brain, can have unusual movements or sensations.


Generalized Seizures: Involve both sides of the brain and typically result in loss of consciousness and muscle control.


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What to Do: Step-by-Step Seizure First Aid


1. Stay Calm and Stay with the Child


Your calmness is one of the best things you can provide. Most seizures only take a few minutes and will resolve without anything needing to be done. Stay with the child and talk reassuringly.


2. Protect the Child


Clear the room: Remove sharp or hard objects that could injure them.


Ease them onto the ground if they are standing or in a precarious position.


Place something soft under their head, like a folded jacket or towel.


3. Roll Them on Their Side


This keeps the airway open and prevents choking, especially if they vomit or have excessive saliva.


4. Time the Seizure


Use a phone or watch to time how long the seizure lasts. This helps doctors.


If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, then it is an emergency. Call emergency services immediately.


5. Do NOT Place Anything in the Child's Mouth


Don't place anything in the mouth, or fingers, during a seizure. It will cause injury or choking.


6. Do NOT Restrict Movements


Difficulty keeping the child down may cause them to injure themselves. Let the seizure run its course while protecting them from nearby hazards.


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Following the Seizure: What to Expect


When the seizure has finished, the child may be:


Confused or dazed


Weary or sleepy (postictal state)


Distressed or upset


Unable to remember what happened



Hold them until they are wide awake and secure. Be reassuring, and don't encourage them to move or talk too quickly. Document what you saw and report it to their doctor.


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When to Call Emergency Services


Call 911 or emergency services if:


The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes


The child is unable to breathe or will not wake up


Another seizure occurs right away after the first one


It's their first seizure that has ever happened


They injured themselves while having the seizure


The seizure occurred in water


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