Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if:
A seizure lasts five minutes or longer
Another seizure starts before the person recovers
It is the person’s first known seizure
The person has trouble breathing or does not regain awareness
The seizure happened in water
There is a serious injury
The person is pregnant or has diabetes
The seizure is different from the person’s usual pattern
You are unsure whether the person is recovering safely
Emergency services may not be needed for every brief seizure in someone with known epilepsy if it stops as expected, recovery is usual, and their care plan says how to respond.
And for anyone, someone who:
has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange prompt medical assessment after any first suspected seizure, even if it has stopped.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Also seek follow-up if seizures become more frequent, recovery takes longer, new symptoms appear, or medicine side effects are affecting daily life.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Seizures. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.