How to Respond When Someone Has a Seizure

Seeing a coworker suddenly collapse is terrifying. Your first instinct is panic, but a panicked seizure response helps no one. And please, don’t try to stick something in their mouth! Good intentions don’t always equal a good response. This guide cuts through the myths, ditches the panic, and gives you a clear plan to keep someone safe, support them, and restore dignity once it’s over.

Clear the Space, Not the Person

The number one rule of seizure response is simple: don’t fight the seizure. You cannot stop it by holding the person down. What you *can* do is make the environment safer.

• Move objects out of the way. Chairs, desks, sharp tools, and anything that could cause injury need to go.
• Don’t hold them down. Restraining the person can cause additional injury.
• Stay close, stay calm. Your role is to protect, not control.

Think of yourself as a safety bubble creator. Your job is to clear the surrounding area, not to interfere with what their body is already doing.

Time It, Guide Gently, and Stay Calm

Here’s the thing: most seizures look longer than they actually last. To an anxious bystander, 45 seconds can feel like five minutes. That’s why timing is critical.

• Start a timer. If you can, discreetly glance at your watch or phone. Most seizures end within one to three minutes.
• Guide them on their side. If it’s possible without force, gently roll the person onto their side. This helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking.
• Cushion the head. A folded jacket, backpack, or even your hand can prevent head injuries.
• Stay calm for everyone else. Colleagues may crowd around, whisper, or panic. Your calm presence helps keep the environment supportive instead of chaotic.

When to Call Emergency Services

Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if it’s their first known seizure, or if one seizure rolls into another without recovery. These are red flags that need immediate professional intervention.

Aftercare Matters, Too

The seizure itself is only part of the story. What happens in the moments after can shape how safe, respected, and supported someone feels.

• Stay until they’re fully aware. Many people feel confused, exhausted, or embarrassed after a seizure. Don’t walk away the moment the convulsions stop.
• Avoid the spotlight effect. Give them space and privacy as they regain awareness. Crowding around only amplifies embarrassment.
• Reassure without dramatizing. A calm, “You’re safe, we’ve got you,” goes much further than frantic commentary.
• Offer practical help. Some people may want to sit quietly, others may need help contacting a family member or getting medical care. Follow their lead.

Dignity matters. Emergencies can strip people of control, and your role is to return as much of it as possible once the episode ends.

Know When to Call and How to Document

Not every seizure requires a trip to the ER, but knowing when to escalate is essential:

• Call 911 if: the seizure lasts over five minutes, repeats without recovery, involves breathing difficulties, or results from an injury like a fall or head trauma.
• Report according to policy. Workplace safety isn’t just about hard hats and fire extinguishers. Documenting incidents helps track hazards, medical emergencies, and response times. It also ensures the person receives proper follow-up support.
• Debrief without blame. Instead of “what went wrong,” focus on “what we did right and what we can improve.” Emergencies are learning opportunities.

Why Training Turns Fear into Confidence

Without training, most people either freeze or flail when faced with a seizure. They want to help, but myths and fear get in the way. Training flips that script. It gives employees the clarity to act decisively, the calm to reassure others, and the confidence to support someone with dignity. According to the CDC, about 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. That means seizures are not rare, and the odds of witnessing one in the workplace are higher than many think. When employees are trained, seizures stop being “scary mysteries” and become events they know how to manage safely. That shift is not just good for safety, it’s good for culture. A workplace where people support each other in vulnerable moments is a workplace people trust.

Wrap-up: Calm Over Chaos

Seeing a seizure is unsettling. But your reaction doesn’t have to be. Clear the space, time the episode, offer gentle support, and stay until recovery. Avoid myths like restraining the person or putting objects in their mouth. And most importantly, remember that dignity and calm matter as much as safety. Seizures may arrive without warning, but your response doesn’t have to be improvised. With preparation, awareness, and a steady presence, you can turn a frightening moment into one where safety, humanity, and calm prevail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seizure Response

What’s the first step when someone has a seizure?

Stay calm and keep them safe. Clear nearby objects, protect their head, and never try to restrain or put anything in their mouth. Your main job is to prevent injury from the surroundings.

When should you call emergency services during a seizure?

Call 911 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if it’s the person’s first-ever seizure, if they have trouble breathing afterward, or if they are injured during the seizure.

What should you do after the seizure stops?

Gently roll the person onto their side (the recovery position) to help them breathe. Check their breathing, stay with them until they are fully alert, and calmly reassure them while they recover.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Seizure First Aid
• Epilepsy Foundation – Seizure Response in the Workplace
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Seizures and Epilepsy in Adults