What to Do If an Unknown Person Has a Seizure Nearby: A Simple Guide for Everyone
- Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Seeing someone suddenly fall or shake uncontrollably due to a seizure can be scary. But knowing how to respond can save a life and prevent injuries. Here’s what you should do if a stranger near you has a seizure:
1.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Your calmness can help others stay composed too. First, make sure the person is safe. If they are in a dangerous area (like a road or near sharp objects), carefully move nearby objects away. Do not try to move the person unless they are in immediate danger.
2.
Time the Seizure
Check the time when the seizure starts. Most seizures last less than 2 minutes. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately (dial 112 in India).
3.
Protect Their Head
Place something soft under their head — a folded jacket, bag, or your hands — to prevent injury.
4.
Turn Them to One Side
If possible, gently roll the person onto one side. This helps saliva or vomit to flow out of the mouth and prevents choking.
5.
Do Not Hold Them Down
Never try to stop their movements or restrain them. Let the seizure run its course.
6.
Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth
People sometimes believe putting objects like a spoon or cloth in the mouth can prevent tongue-biting. This is dangerous. It can cause choking or injury.
7.
Stay with Them
Stay nearby until the seizure ends and the person becomes alert. They may feel confused or tired afterward — gently reassure them. If they’re conscious but disoriented, explain what happened in a calm voice.
8.
Call for Help If Needed
Seek emergency medical help if:
The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
The person has repeated seizures
They are not waking up after the seizure
They have breathing difficulty or injuries
It is their first seizure
9.
Avoid Crowd or Panic
Ask people around not to crowd the person. Give them space and privacy. Avoid taking videos or photos — it’s a medical emergency, not entertainment.
10.
After the Seizure
Once they’re fully awake, ask if they need help contacting someone. They may carry a medical ID or bracelet. If they are disoriented or cannot respond properly, don’t leave them alone.
In India, it’s a common myth that placing a metal object like a key or a spoon in the hand of a person having a seizure will stop the seizure or help them recover faster.
But this is NOT correct — and it is not medically recommended.
🚫
Why It’s Incorrect:
Seizures are caused by electrical activity in the brain, not by “shock,” “fear,” or “metal deficiency.”
Holding a key does not affect the brain or stop the seizure.
It wastes valuable time that could be used to protect the person from injury.
If the person tightly grips or flails, the key might injure their hand or others around them.
Seizures are a medical condition, not a superstition. Scientific first aid saves lives. Let’s spread awareness and stop unsafe practices.
If you see someone trying to place keys in the hand of a person having a seizure, politely explain that it is not helpful and gently guide them to follow correct first aid steps.
Summary
Seizures are medical conditions, not something to fear or judge. A quick, kind, and informed response can protect the person and even save their life. Let’s build a caring society — be the person who helps, not one who panics.
Emergency Number (India): 112
Save it in your phone and share this information with friends and family.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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