Seizures (fits)
Keep them safe, time it, never put anything in the mouth. Starter text to review by a health worker.
What to do
- Stay calm. Move the person only if they are in danger (a road, a fire, water).
- Put something soft under their head and loosen anything tight round the neck.
- Note the time the seizure starts and ends.
- When the jerking stops, roll them onto their side and stay with them, speaking calmly, until they are fully awake.
Call 999 or 112 now if
- It is the first seizure they have ever had.
- It lasts longer than 5 minutes (or longer than is usual for them).
- They do not wake up properly, or have another seizure straight after.
- They are injured, pregnant, or it happened in water.
Do not
- Do not put anything in their mouth, not even your fingers.
- Do not hold them down.
- Do not give food or drink until they are fully recovered.
Sources
- NHS (UK National Health Service): What to do if someone has a seizure (fit)
- NHS (UK National Health Service): Epilepsy
Written in our own words from these sources. Learn first aid properly with the Kenya Red Cross.