First aid

First aid for seizures

Knowing how to help someone during and after an epileptic seizure may help you, and them, feel more confident if a seizure happens. How you can help the person may depend on the type of seizures they have.

If you know the person, they may have told you about their epilepsy and how you can help them if they have a seizure. If you don't know about their epilepsy, this section gives you some general guidance on how you can help if they have a seizure.

The National Society for Epilepsy has produced a free, handy credit sized card for people to carry in their purse or wallet giving specific instructions on what to do if they see someone having an epileptic seizure.  To get a free first aid card, please send an SAE to EIS National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RJ.

What to do

• 10 first aid steps when someone has a seizure
• When to dial 999
• Types of epileptic seizures and what to do
• Recording information about seizures
• What do I need to know about a person's epilepsy?

Learn more

• Step-by-step recovery position
• Training