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Tracking & Managing Seizures
Seizure Preparedness
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- Seizure First Aid Training and Certification
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Seizure First Aid and Recognition
Getting Emergency Help

Getting Emergency Help

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Tracking & Managing Seizures
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When to Call 911 for a Seizure

Dr. Katherine Thaggard explains when someone should call 911 or go to the hospital for a seizure. This video clip is from the webinar Debunking Epilepsy Misconceptions.

Getting Help for a Seizure Emergency

Call an ambulance if:

A seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer.
One seizure occurs right after another without the person fully regaining consciousness between seizures.
Seizures occur closer together than usual for that person.
The person’s breathing becomes difficult, or the person appears to be choking.
The seizure occurs in water.
If an injury occurred.
The person asks for medical help.

Remember, you don’t need to call an ambulance for every seizure. Most seizures end on their own within 1-3 minutes.

When should I call an ambulance?

An ambulance is needed if:

A person has a life-threatening seizure
A person has breathing or heart problems during or after a seizure
There is serious injury

Learn More

Following Seizure Action Plans

Learn what to do during a seizure by watching this video and taking a seizure first aid course.

Learn More

Download First Aid Resources

Authored By: Patricia Penovich, MD Tracy Glauser, MD

on Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Reviewed By: Epilepsy Foundation Communications

on Tuesday, November 05, 2024 Previous

First Aid for Seizures in Water

Seizure Rescue Medications

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Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Getting Emergency Help | Epilepsy Foundation

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When to Call 911 for a Seizure

Getting Help for a Seizure Emergency

Call an ambulance if:

When should I call an ambulance?

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