Updated: March 13, 2026
Over 45,000 people in South Carolina are living with epilepsy (Epilepsy Foundation of South Carolina). Knowing how to ensure a person’s safety and administer first aid during a seizure is critical at work, school, home or other social settings. It only takes a few moments to learn how to help someone having a seizure. Educating yourself now can make a real difference in someone’s seizure recovery.
Seizure First Aid
Follow the steps below to help someone having a seizure.
- STAY with the person until they are awake and alert after the seizure.
- Remain calm
- Time the seizure
- Check for a medical ID
- Keep the person SAFE
- Move or guide them away from harm
- Call 911
- Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware
- Keep airway clear
- Loosen tight clothes around the neck
- Put something small and soft under their head
Do NOT restrain a person or put any objects in their mouth. Rescue medicine can be given if prescribed by a health care professional.
Seizure First Aid Flyer
The Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure First Aid flyer (pdf) contains the steps – STAY, SAFE, SIDE – to help someone having a seizure, when to call 911, and what not to do. Review, share, and post the flyer in workplaces, childcare and school settings, dorms, and at home.