Emergency Guidance
Know what to do. Know what not to do. It can save a life.
Step by Step
1
Note the exact time the seizure begins. Most seizures last between 1–3 minutes and end on their own. Timing is critical — if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately. Speak calmly and clearly if others are present.
2
Gently move any hard, sharp, or dangerous objects away from the person. If they are on the ground, place something soft (a folded jacket, bag) under their head. Do not try to hold the person down or restrict their movements.
3
This is one of the most dangerous myths about seizure response. A person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Putting objects, fingers, or anything else in their mouth can cause serious injury — broken teeth, jaw fractures, and bites. Do not do this under any circumstances.
4
Once the convulsive movements stop, gently roll the person onto their side (recovery position). This keeps their airway clear and prevents them from choking. Support their head and ensure they can breathe easily. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
5
After a seizure, the person may be confused, tired, or disoriented — this is called the postictal phase and is completely normal. Stay with them, speak gently, and offer reassurance. Do not give them food or water until they are fully alert. Recovery may take 5–30 minutes.
Critical Warnings
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Holding someone down during a seizure can cause fractures, dislocations, and muscular injury. The body's movements during a seizure are involuntary. Restraint does not stop the seizure and causes harm.
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Not a finger, not a spoon, not a wallet. This dangerous myth persists but has no medical basis. People do not swallow their tongues. Objects in the mouth cause injury, not protection.
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The swallowing reflex is impaired during a seizure. Giving anything by mouth risks choking and aspiration. Wait until the person is fully conscious and oriented before offering anything.
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Stay with the person throughout the seizure and recovery. They are vulnerable to injury, falls, and secondary incidents. If you must leave briefly, ensure another responsible person takes over.
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Keep bystanders calm and at a respectful distance. A crowd can cause distress when the person recovers. Ask one person to call emergency services if needed; others should stand back.
Emergency Response
Most seizures do not require an ambulance. But in these situations, call Sri Lanka Emergency Services immediately.
A seizure that continues beyond 5 minutes without stopping is a medical emergency called status epilepticus. This requires immediate intervention. Call 1990 at the 5-minute mark — do not wait for it to stop.
If the person sustained a head injury, is bleeding, or does not regain consciousness within a reasonable time after the seizure ends, call 1990 immediately. Do not move them if a spinal injury is possible.
If this is the first time the person has had a seizure, or if you do not know their medical history, call 1990. A new seizure requires medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Sri Lanka Emergency Number
Call 1990 for emergency ambulance services. Keep the person safe while you wait, and tell the dispatcher that you are responding to a seizure.
