20/05/2026
Epileptic seizures are often very frightening for both the person having the seizure and bystanders. 😨
However, they usually stop on their own after 1 to 2 minutes. Even though the moment of a seizure can be overwhelming and frightening, in most cases epileptic seizures are not a medical emergency.
You should always call the emergency services if…📞
⚠️it is the person’s first seizure – as there may be unknown causes behind it
⏰the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
🔄several seizures happen back-to-back and the person does not regain consciousness
🌊the seizure happens in water (e.g. in the bath, a swimming pool, a lake or the sea)
🩸the person is seriously injured (e.g. head injuries or heavy bleeding)
🫁the person is struggling to breathe or turning blue
🤰you know the person is pregnant or has diabetes – as both conditions can lead to complications
🆘But even if you’re unsure, you can always call for an ambulance. What you can do in the meantime:
✅ Protect their head from hard edges
✅ Under no circumstances should you put anything in their mouth
✅ Is the person unconscious? If so, move their body into the recovery position
✅ Remove any dangerous objects in the immediate vicinity
❗Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for medical advice – but it will help you assess emergencies more effectively.