Fits or epileptic seizures

Fits can be obvious when the whole body jerks or less obvious when only part of the body twitches or the person becomes vacant.

The following checklist explains how to help someone having a fit or epileptic seizure and what to avoid:

DO:

  • Keep calm, note the time the seizure starts and how long it lasts
  • Clear a space around the person
  • Place a cushion under the person’s head with whatever is available
  • Loosen any tight clothing round the neck and gently remove glasses if worn
  • Watch the seizure carefully and if possible let it run its natural course
  • Turn the person into the recovery position as soon as the convulsions cease so that the mouth can drain of saliva, blood or vomit
  • Be reassuring during the recovery period and tell the person about the seizure
  • Stay with the person, if possible, until any confusion passes and they have recovered enough to recognise their surroundings

DON’T:

  • Move the person while the seizure is happening unless there is an immediate danger (e.g. in a busy road, at the top of stairs, in water, near a fire or hot radiator)
  • Try to stop the muscles from jerking or try to restrain the person
  • Attempt to lift the person up
  • Put anything between the teeth or into the mouth
  • Give any medication while the seizure is happening
  • Offer the person something to drink during the seizure
  • Fuss around the person during the recovery

While it is not necessary to call a doctor or ambulance to everyone who has a single fit and they are recovering and are known to have epilepsy, there are times when it is wise to seek assistance

Dial 999 if

  • One seizure follows another without any return to normal  / recovery in-between the fits
  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or the person remains unconscious for a longer time than is usual
  • The person has been badly injured or appears concussed.  (Someone asleep responds when shaken: an unconscious person does not.)
  • An infant with a high temperature is convulsing. 
  • You discover that this is the person’s first fit
  •  If any of these situations occur, please ask someone to dial 999 so that an emergency ambulance can be called while you stay with the person.
  • Ensure the person is  breathing and if necessary turn the person onto their side
  • The ambulance control staff will give you advice while you wait for assistance to arrive
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