A seizure, or fit, happens when there is a sudden burst of activity in the brain. Most fits stop on their own within a few minutes. Knowing what to do keeps the person safe.
Do this:
Stay calm and note the time the fit starts. Move away anything hard or sharp. Put something soft under the head. Once the shaking stops, gently turn the person onto their side so they can breathe. Stay with them until they are fully awake and speaking normally.
Do not do this:
Do not put anything in the mouth, a person cannot swallow their tongue, and objects cause injury. Do not hold them down or try to stop the movements. Do not give food or water until they are fully awake.
Go to hospital urgently if: the fit lasts more than 5 minutes, a second fit follows without the person waking up, it is their first ever fit, they are hurt during it, they are pregnant, they have a fever, or they do not wake up properly afterwards. A fit that will not stop is an emergency called status epilepticus.