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What to do if…
a seizure lasts several minutes or repeats without recovery

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Call 911 if the seizure has lasted 5 minutes, another seizure begins before the person fully recovers, or either has already happened. Start timing, protect the person from injury, and stay with them.

Do not do these things

  • Do not delay calling 911 once the seizure has lasted 5 minutes or seizures are repeating without recovery.
  • Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements.
  • Do not put fingers, food, drink, medicine, or any object in their mouth.
  • Do not move them unless they are near traffic, water, fire, stairs, or another immediate danger.
  • Do not give rescue medication unless it was prescribed for this person and you can follow their seizure action plan.
  • Do not leave them alone while waiting for emergency help.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 and put the phone on speaker. Tell the dispatcher how long the seizure has lasted and whether another seizure began before the person recovered.
  2. Note when the seizure began. If you did not see the beginning, say when you first noticed it.
  3. Clear away hard, sharp, or hot objects. Cushion the person’s head with something soft and loosen anything tight around their neck.
  4. Gently turn the person onto one side with their mouth angled toward the floor if you can do so safely. Do not force their body into position.
  5. Follow any known seizure action plan. Give prescribed rescue medication only as the plan directs and only if you know how to give it. Tell the dispatcher what was given and when.
  6. Watch their breathing. When the seizure stops, if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally or are only gasping, tell the dispatcher immediately and start CPR as instructed.
  7. Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive. Note any further seizures, breathing difficulty, injuries, or vomiting.
  8. Have their medical identification, medication list, seizure action plan, or rescue medication packaging ready if these are immediately available.

What can wait

You do not need to determine the cause, contact everyone, clean the area, gather a complete medical history, or decide anything about future treatment now. Focus on calling 911, preventing injury, watching breathing, and following the dispatcher’s instructions.

Important reassurance

Calling 911 is the appropriate response when a seizure lasts 5 minutes or seizures repeat without recovery. You do not need to stop the seizure yourself; keeping the person safe and getting emergency help are the useful actions now.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Assessment, diagnosis, medication changes, and planning for future seizures require qualified medical professionals.

Important note

This is general health information, not medical advice or a substitute for emergency care. Follow instructions from 911, emergency responders, and the person’s prescribed seizure action plan.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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