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What to do if…
a seizure lasts several minutes or repeats without recovery

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 for an ambulance now if another seizure starts before the person fully recovers, if the seizure is lasting longer than usual for them, or if this is their first seizure. If you do not know how long their seizures usually last, call when it reaches five minutes; also call 999 if they are seriously injured during it or have difficulty breathing afterwards. Start timing it and keep them safe.

Do not do these things

  • Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements.
  • Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers.
  • Do not give them food or drink until they have fully recovered.
  • Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.
  • Do not give rescue medicine unless it was prescribed for them and you are trained to follow their care plan.
  • Do not leave them alone while the seizure continues or while they remain unresponsive.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 if this is the person’s first seizure, another seizure starts before full recovery, the seizure is lasting longer than usual, or it has reached five minutes and you do not know the person’s usual seizure duration. Also call 999 if they are seriously injured during the seizure or have difficulty breathing afterwards. Follow the call handler’s instructions.
  2. Note when the seizure started. If seizures repeat, record when each one starts and stops and whether the person regains full consciousness between them.
  3. Move hard, sharp, or hot objects away. Cushion their head with something soft and loosen tight clothing around their neck.
  4. Move the person only if they are in immediate danger, such as near traffic, water, fire, or a hot surface.
  5. When convulsions have stopped, place them on their side in the recovery position.
  6. Check whether they are breathing normally after the movements stop. Tell the 999 call handler immediately if they are not, and follow the instructions given.
  7. Look for medical jewellery, an identity card, or a written seizure care plan. Give prescribed rescue medicine only if the plan says to, you have been trained, and you can follow its instructions.
  8. Stay with the person. Tell the ambulance crew how long the seizure lasted, whether seizures repeated without recovery, whether rescue medicine was given, and whether there were breathing problems or injuries.

What can wait

You do not need to decide what caused the seizure, whether it was epilepsy, how future seizures should be managed, or whether regular medication should change. Leave those questions until the person is safe and healthcare professionals can assess them.

Important reassurance

You are not expected to stop the seizure by force. Calling 999 when indicated, protecting the person from injury, timing what happens, monitoring their breathing, and following any care plan are useful immediate actions.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Assessment, diagnosis, medication decisions, and planning for future seizures may require an emergency clinician, GP, epilepsy specialist, or other healthcare professional.

Important note

This is general first-aid information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for emergency medical care. Follow instructions from the 999 call handler, ambulance crew, and any written care plan specific to the person.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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