What should you do if someone is having a seizure?

When someone is having a seizure, the primary concern is to protect them from injury while ensuring their safety. Placing the individual in the recovery position after the seizure is crucial because it helps maintain an open airway and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, decreasing the risk of choking.

By safeguarding them from potential hazards in their immediate environment—such as sharp objects or hard surfaces—you can minimize the risk of injury during the seizure. Additionally, the recovery position, which involves rolling the person onto their side, helps prevent aspiration and supports breathing once the seizure subsides.

It's important to avoid holding the person down, as this can result in injury for both the individual experiencing the seizure and the bystander. Leaving the person alone is also not advisable, since they may need assistance or support during and immediately after the episode. While monitoring is important, the focus should be on direct intervention to ensure their safety. Calling emergency services may be necessary in certain cases, particularly if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness. However, the immediate action of protecting and positioning the person takes precedence during an active seizure.