First aid for seizures (convulsions)

A seizure (convulsion) is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. Most seizures stop on their own within a few minutes. Your job is to keep the person safe and know when to call for help.

Do: during the seizure

• Stay calm and note the time it starts.
• Protect from injury: move hard or sharp objects away.
• Cushion the head with something soft (a folded jacket).
• Loosen anything tight around the neck.
• When the convulsions stop, gently roll the person onto their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear.
• Stay with them until they are fully alert.

Don't

• Do not hold the person down or restrain their movements.
• Do not put anything in their mouth, because they cannot swallow their tongue.
• Do not give food or water until they are fully awake.

Call 144 (ambulance in Switzerland, 112 in the EU) immediately if…

• the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes (the Swiss epilepsy league's limit; many international guides say 5);
• a second seizure follows quickly;
• the person does not regain consciousness or has trouble breathing;
• it happened in water, or the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes;
• it is their first-ever seizure.

After the seizure

The person may be confused or tired, which is normal. Reassure them calmly, tell them what happened, and stay until they recover. Note how long it lasted and what you observed; this helps medical staff.

This guide is general first-aid information and does not replace professional medical training or local emergency instructions.

Sources

• Epi-Suisse, Swiss epilepsy association: first aid (Erste Hilfe)
• WHO: Epilepsy (fact sheet)
• NHS (UK): Epilepsy

Last revised 25 October 2026. Not yet reviewed by a physician.