What to do if someone has a seizure: when to get help
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 now if:
The seizure lasts five minutes or longer
Another seizure begins before the person recovers
It is their first known seizure
They have trouble breathing or do not wake as expected
They have a serious injury
The seizure happened in water
They are pregnant
Their seizure action plan says to call
You are uncertain about their safety
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
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up with the person’s healthcare team is appropriate when a known seizure ends as expected but the pattern has changed, recovery is taking longer than usual, side effects from seizure medicines are a concern or the action plan needs updating.
The article also says
If breathing is not normal after the movements stop, begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if available.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on What to do if someone has a seizure. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.