"What should I do if I have a seizure? What should I do if I see someone else have a seizure?"

Feeling helpless watching a loved one, friend, even a stranger, have a seizure is difficult. This section will help you be prepared to respond to seizures safely and appropriately.

Think of 3 key areas of seizure first aid:

General First Aid Steps

Find general, care and comfort first aid for all seizure types to keep someone safe.

Download Posters

Adapting First Aid Plans

Find specific steps for responding to different seizure types, including those

without a change in awareness

With altered awareness

with loss of consciousness

Responding to Seizures

When more than care and comfort first aid is needed, find first aid steps to help stop or shorten a seizure or prevent an emergency. This may involve giving a rescue treatment (often called "as needed" medicine or treatment) that has been recommended by your health care team.

Create a Seizure Action Plan

Your success in managing your epilepsy and seizures depends on being prepared to tackle whatever comes your way. Creating a Seizure Action Plan (sometimes called a seizure response plan) can help you organize your seizure information and have it available when and where you need it. Find steps and forms for building your individualized Seizure Action Plan here.

Practice, Share, and Talk about Seizure First Aid

Reading what to do is not the same as learning how to do it. Make sure you practice seizure first aid by holding "seizure drills" with your family.

It is critical that you and anyone who may be with you during a seizure know what to do and how to give rescue treatments correctly and safely.