Seizure First Aid and Recognition

 

Knowing how to recognize a seizure and provide seizure first aid could save a life. Explore trainings and resources to be prepared.

Feeling helpless watching someone have a seizure is difficult—whether it’s a loved one, friend, or even a stranger. Our training and resources can teach you how to recognize and respond to seizures safely.

While there are many different types of seizures, during many of them a person may be unaware of what is going on or lose consciousness. A person could get hurt during a seizure or a seizure could last too long, or the seizure could cluster. Knowing what to do when someone has a seizure can make a difference and save a life.

Seizure First Aid Training and Certification

Basic seizure first aid for all seizure types can help keep someone safe. Our trainings teach you about both epilepsy and seizures. Learn how to recognize signs of a seizure, how to use basic first aid steps and when emergency medical help is necessary.

Get Seizure First Aid certified

Adapting First Aid Plans

Different types of seizures call for different types of care. You should prepare to change your first aid plan for seizures with or without a change in awareness, and seizures with a loss of consciousness.

Learn how to adapt first aid plans

Seizure Rescue Medications

When someone needs more than general first aid, learn the steps to help stop or shorten a seizure or prevent an emergency. This may involve giving a rescue treatment that their healthcare team recommends.

Learn more about seizure rescue medications

Getting Emergency Help

You don’t need to call an ambulance for every seizure. But you should know how to recognize a life-threatening seizure or problems after the seizure.

Learn when to call for emergency help

Help After a Seizure

Once a seizure ends, you should stay with the person until you’re sure they’re okay. Understand what questions you should ask, what to look for in their behavior, and how to tell them what happened.

Learn how to provide help after a seizure

Seizure Service Dogs

A seizure service dog is a dog that is trained to respond to a seizure in someone who has epilepsy. If you’re considering a seizure service dog, understand what they do and how to get one.

Learn more about seizure service dogs

Related Resources

Seizure First Aid Resources

First aid videos and posters you can share to help others learn about seizure first aid.

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Seizure Action Plans

A form that helps family, teachers, and others know what to do during a seizure.

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Seizure Medication List

In-depth information on epilepsy medications to help you choose the right one.

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Seizure Tracking Forms

A catalogue of seizure tracking forms, questionnaires for parents, and camp forms.

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My Seizure Diary

My Seizure Diary helps you record, track, and manage your seizures and epilepsy.

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A Seizure First Aid Training Success Story

Tawana LaMar was in a supermarket when she noticed someone having a seizure. Using what she learned from the First Aid training provided by the Epilepsy Foundation, Tawana was able to potentially save a life.

Read More

Sign Up for Epilepsy and Seizure Trainings

The Epilepsy Learning Portal is your one-stop shop to access the Epilepsy Foundation's online and on-demand trainings about epilepsy and seizures. Professionals, people with epilepsy, and their caregivers can learn more about epilepsy, seizures, and Seizure First Aid.