Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998

A convulsive seizure is frightening to watch, but most stop on their own within a couple of minutes. The first aider’s job is to prevent injury and know when it is an emergency. Seizures are covered on the first aid course.

During the seizure

• Stay calm and note the time.
• Clear the space; put something soft under the head.
• Loosen anything tight around the neck.
• Do not restrain movements.
• Nothing in the mouth — they cannot swallow their tongue.

After the seizure

People are often confused and tired afterwards. Check breathing, place them on their side, stay with them and speak reassuringly. Offer privacy if they have been incontinent.

When to call 998

• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or one after another.
• First known seizure.
• Injury during the seizure — see head injury.
• Breathing problems or not waking up.
• In water, pregnant, or has diabetes.

Febrile seizures in children

Young children can have a seizure with a high temperature. Follow the same steps, remove heavy clothing, and seek medical advice; call 998 for a first one. See pediatric first aid.

People with epilepsy

Many carry a card or have a care plan telling you what is normal for them and whether they have rescue medicine.

If breathing does not return

If they remain unresponsive and are not breathing normally after the jerking stops, start CPR — see the chain of survival.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

Should you put something in the mouth during a seizure?

No, never.

Should you hold someone down during a seizure?

No, protect them from injury instead.

When is a seizure an emergency?

If it lasts more than 5 minutes, repeats, is the first one, causes injury, or they do not wake up.

What do you do after a seizure?

Check breathing, roll them onto their side and stay with them.

What is a febrile seizure?

A seizure in a young child with a high temperature.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.