Seizures can be frightening to witness, especially if it happens unexpectedly. However, knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can prevent injuries and even save a life. Whether the seizure is caused by epilepsy, head injury, fever, or unknown reasons, your actions in the first few minutes matter most.

For those who want to be fully prepared for emergencies like seizures, completing courses such as cpr certification, cpr and first aid certification, or online cpr certification ensures you’re ready to respond confidently and safely.

What Is a Seizure?

A seizure happens when there is sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. This can cause changes in:

  • Movement
  • Behavior
  • Awareness
  • Emotions

Not all seizures involve shaking — some cause staring spells, confusion, or sudden collapse. Because symptoms vary, recognizing the early signs is extremely helpful.

Common Signs of a Seizure

Seizures can look different from person to person, but common symptoms include:

  • Uncontrollable jerking or stiffening of the body
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Staring blankly
  • Sudden collapse
  • Strange sounds, grunting, or breathing changes
  • Confusion after the episode
  • Loss of bladder control

Knowing these signs allows you to take the right steps quickly.

First Response: What You Should Do

When someone is having a seizure, your main goal is to keep them safe from injury. Follow these essential steps:

1. Stay Calm and Stay With the Person

Your calmness helps you respond effectively and reassures others nearby.

2. Protect Them From Injury

Clear the area around them by removing:

  • Sharp objects
  • Hard furniture
  • Anything they could hit during the seizure

Place something soft under their head, such as a jacket or pillow.

3. Turn Them Onto Their Side (Recovery Position)

This prevents choking if they vomit or have excess saliva.

4. Loosen Tight Clothing

If possible, loosen clothing around the neck to help with breathing.

5. Time the Seizure

Most seizures last less than 2 minutes. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, it becomes a medical emergency.

6. Stay Until They Fully Recover

After the seizure, the person may feel confused, tired, or upset. Stay with them until they are stable and aware.

Courses like cpr online classes help you stay confident when assisting someone after a seizure or during other medical emergencies.

Get Your CPR Certification Today

What You Should NOT Do

Many well-intentioned actions can actually cause harm. Avoid these common mistakes:

Do NOT put anything in their mouth

People cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Putting objects into their mouth can break teeth, block the airway, or cause injury.

Do NOT hold them down

Trying to restrain them can cause muscle injuries and does not stop the seizure.

Do NOT give food, drink, or medicine

Wait until they are fully alert before giving anything by mouth.

Do NOT perform rescue breaths unless they stop breathing after the seizure

If breathing stops and the person becomes unresponsive, CPR may be needed. Training such as bls certification online teaches you how to safely intervene in such cases.

When to Call Emergency Services

Call for emergency help if:

  • The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
  • The person has multiple seizures in a row
  • They are injured during the seizure
  • They have trouble breathing afterward
  • It’s their first seizure
  • They are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions
  • Seizure occurs in water

When in doubt — always call.

After the Seizure: What to Expect

Once the seizure ends, the person may experience:

  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Emotional distress

Speak calmly, explain what happened, and help them sit or rest safely. Offer reassurance until they fully recover.

Why Training Matters

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparation isn’t. Certifications like:

empower you to help during seizures, cardiac arrest, choking, allergic reactions, and more.

Final Thoughts

Responding to a seizure correctly can prevent injuries and save lives. Remember the essentials:

  • Keep them safe
  • Roll them on their side
  • Time the seizure
  • Never put anything in their mouth
  • Call for help if needed

With the right knowledge — and the confidence built through cpr certification and first aid training online — you can make a meaningful difference in emergencies.

Get Your CPR Certification Today