Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Watching a seizure is frightening, but most stop on their own within a couple of minutes. Your job is to keep the person safe and let it run its course — never restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
1. Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts.
2. Move nearby objects away and cushion the head.
3. Do NOT restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
4. Once the jerking stops, gently roll them onto their side (recovery position).
5. Stay with them, reassure them, and let them recover — they may be confused.
6. Call emergency services if it lasts over 5 minutes, repeats, or it is their first-ever seizure.
When to see a doctor urgently
Call emergency services if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or one follows another
A first-ever seizure, or a seizure with injury, in water, in pregnancy or with diabetes
Difficulty breathing after the seizure, or not waking up
Never put fingers or objects in the mouth — you cannot “swallow the tongue”
Protect, don’t restrain. You cannot stop a seizure by holding someone down, and nothing should go in the mouth. Keep them safe, time it, and use the recovery position afterwards. This is not a substitute for medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put something in the mouth during a seizure?
No — never. It can break teeth or block the airway. The idea of “swallowing the tongue” is a myth.
When should I call an ambulance for a seizure?
If it lasts more than 5 minutes, one seizure follows another, it is their first ever, there is injury, or they do not recover normally afterwards.
What do I do after the seizure stops?
Roll them onto their side (recovery position), keep the airway clear, stay with them and reassure them as they come round confused.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.