This section provides information about seizure first aid for different kinds of seizures. We also look at what first aid should be used in different settings, like when a seizure happens in water.
Understanding how to provide an emergency response for someone having a seizure can assist in reducing the impact of that seizure on the individual.
Call 111 when a person has a seizure and any of the following apply:
1. If you don’t know the person (or you are unsure what to do)
2. If there is no available Seizure Management Plan (SMP)
3. If the seizure continues for longer than 5 minutes (or follow the timing in their personal SMP)
4. If the seizure stops but the person does not regain consciousness within 5 minutes
5. If another seizure begins (or there is a cluster of seizures)
6. If the seizure activity has resulted in a serious injury
7. If the seizure occurs in water
8. If you believe the person having the seizure may be pregnant
9. If you know the person has diabetes or an underlying health condition (that may cause a seizure)
The Seizure First Aid poster below shows information about basic first aid and can be downloaded and used in your workplace or other setting.
Watch Epilepsy New Zealand’s Seizure First Aid Video