What should you do if someone is having a seizure?

When someone is having a seizure, the primary action to take is to protect them from injury and to time the duration of the seizure. This is critical because it ensures the safety of the person experiencing the seizure. Clearing the area of potential hazards, such as sharp objects or obstacles, can prevent injuries that might occur during the convulsions.

Timing the seizure is also important because it helps assess the situation; if a seizure lasts longer than a typical duration (generally more than 5 minutes), it may require medical intervention. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers when they are called to assist.

Keeping them safe and monitoring the seizure’s length is generally more effective than holding them still, which could risk causing harm to both the individual and the person trying to assist. Additionally, placing something in their mouth is a common misconception that could lead to broken teeth or jaw injuries and does not prevent biting the tongue. Medical help should be sought if the seizure is prolonged or if it's the person's first seizure, but immediate assistance is not typically required unless there are complications, making the initial protective approach the priority.