Seizure Safety: What Friends, Family and Colleagues Should Know

A seizure can be a frightening experience to witness, particularly if you have never seen one before. Knowing how to respond calmly and safely can make a real difference to someone who is having a seizure, helping to protect them from injury and ensuring they receive the right support.

Whether you are a friend, family member or colleague, understanding the basics of seizure first aid can help you feel more confident if an emergency occurs.

Understanding Seizures

A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, temporarily affecting how it works. Seizures can affect people in different ways. Some may involve stiffening and uncontrollable shaking, whilst others can cause a person to become unresponsive, stare into space or experience unusual sensations.

Although epilepsy is a common cause of recurrent seizures, not every seizure means someone has epilepsy. It is important to remember that a person experiencing a seizure may not be aware of what is happening and may need time to recover afterwards.

What Should You Do If Someone Has a Seizure?

Seeing someone have a seizure can be alarming, but staying calm is one of the most helpful things you can do. Follow these simple steps to help keep them safe.

1. Keep them safe. Move nearby objects that could cause injury, such as chairs, sharp items or hot drinks. Only move the person if they are in immediate danger.

2. Protect their head. If they are on the floor, place something soft, such as a folded jumper, beneath their head.

3. Time the seizure. Note when it starts and finishes. This information can be important for medical professionals.

4. Do not restrain them. Allow the seizure to run its course naturally. Never try to hold the person down or restrict their movements.

5. Never put anything in their mouth. A person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Do not put fingers, objects, food or drink into their mouth.

6. Stay with them. Once the seizure has stopped, place them on their side in the recovery position if appropriate, check their breathing and reassure them as they recover. They may feel tired, confused or distressed, so give them time and space.

When Should You Call 999?

Many people with epilepsy have an individual care plan explaining what to do if they have a seizure. However, there are situations when emergency help is essential.

Call 999 for an ambulance if:

• It is the person's first known seizure.
• The seizure lasts five minutes or longer, or longer than usual for that person.
• They have repeated seizures without recovering between them.
• They have seriously injured themselves or are having difficulty breathing afterwards.
• You are concerned they need urgent medical attention.

If the person has a seizure care plan, follow it where appropriate. Only give prescribed emergency medication if you have been trained to do so and their care plan instructs you to.

Supporting Someone at Home or Work

For people living with epilepsy or another condition that can cause seizures, having understanding people around them can offer valuable reassurance.

Friends and family can help by learning what the person's seizures typically look like, understanding their care plan and knowing who to contact in an emergency.

In the workplace, colleagues can also play an important role. A respectful conversation about what support someone may need can help everyone feel more prepared. Always respect the person's privacy and let them decide what medical information they wish to share.

It is also worth remembering that recovery can take time. Someone may feel exhausted, confused or embarrassed after a seizure. Offering reassurance, avoiding unnecessary attention and allowing them to recover at their own pace can make a meaningful difference.

Why Accessible Medical Information Matters

In an emergency, clear medical information can help others understand a person's condition and respond appropriately, particularly when they are unable to explain their medical needs themselves.

A medical ID bracelet or necklace can provide an accessible way to communicate important information, such as epilepsy or another medical condition, and may include emergency details where appropriate.

For someone who experiences seizures, wearing medical ID jewellery can offer an additional layer of reassurance when going about everyday life, whether at work, whilst travelling or spending time with friends and family.

A Little Knowledge Can Make a Big Difference

You do not need medical training to offer valuable support during a seizure. Knowing how to keep someone safe, when to seek emergency help and how to provide reassurance afterwards can make a difficult situation easier to manage.

At The ID Band Company, we believe that staying safe should be simple. Our range of medical ID jewellery is designed to help keep essential medical information close at hand, offering added reassurance for you and those around you.