An easy way to remember what to do is to remember ACTION:

Only call an ambulance if you think it is this person’s first seizure, they are injured, it lasts longer than five minutes or one seizure follows another without regaining consciousness. Seizures normally last a few minutes and often the person will lay unconscious after the seizure for a few minutes before coming round. But the main thing to do is not to panic!

A - Assess
Assess the situation – are they in danger of injuring themselves? Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury

C - Cushion
Cushion their head (with a jumper, for example) to protect them from head injury

T - Time
Check the time – if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes you should call an ambulance

I - Identity
Look for a medical bracelet or ID card – it may give you information about the person’s seizures and what to do

O - Over
Once the seizure is over, put them on their side in the recovery position. Stay with them and reassure them as they come round. They may be very tired or disorientated so don’t panic if they don’t seem to recognise you

N - Never
Never restrain the person, put something in their mouth or try to give them food or drink