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If someone near you starts convulsing, here's exactly what to do.

A calm, step-by-step guide anyone can follow — no medical training required.

Stay close, stay calm
Never hold them down
Time it — act at 5 minutes
While it's happening

Eight things to do during the seizure


1

Stay calm and stay with them

Your steadiness matters. Don't leave their side.

2

Clear the space

Move nearby hazards out of the way. If they're falling, help break the fall safely.

3

Cushion the head

Slip something soft underneath — a jacket, a bag, even your hands.

4

Let the movements happen

Don't hold them down or try to stop the convulsions.

5

Keep the mouth clear

Never put anything in their mouth. No food, drink, or medicine until they've fully come round.

6

Time it

Note when it started — the duration decides what happens next.

7

Roll them onto their side

Once the jerking stops, ease them into the recovery position and check their breathing.

8

Stay until they're steady

Remain with them until they're awake, aware, and safe.

Call for emergency help if

Most seizures stop on their own within a couple of minutes. Get emergency care right away if any of these apply.

The seizure lasts five minutes or longer
Another seizure starts before they've recovered from the first
They're struggling to breathe, or not recovering as expected
They've been seriously injured
It happened in water
It's a first suspected seizure, or something about it needs urgent checking

No ambulance coming?

Get them to the nearest health facility yourself, as quickly and safely as you can — by car, motorcycle taxi (boda), or whatever transport is available. Don't wait if help isn't on the way.