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Published on: 7/21/2026

What are the three basic principles of first aid for seizures?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

The "3 Ss" of seizure first aid are simple, easy to remember, and could save a life: Stay calm, Stay safe, and Stay with the person until the seizure ends or help arrives.

  • Stay calm: Most seizures end on their own within a few minutes. Time the seizure and speak reassuringly.
  • Stay safe: Move nearby objects out of the way, cushion the person's head, and gently turn them onto their side to keep the airway clear. Never put anything in their mouth or restrain them.
  • Stay with the person: Remain present until they are fully alert, and call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, repeats, or causes injury.

If you or someone you love has experienced a seizure or unexplained symptoms, understanding the cause is the critical next step. Seizures can stem from many conditions—some minor, some serious—and identifying possible triggers early can guide safer, faster care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be happening and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Important Next Steps

Learn seizure causes from symptom checkSee if seizures need urgent careFind out what triggered your seizureDiscover OTC options for seizure-related symptomsFind a neurologist for seizure careUnderstand safe home remedies for seizuresCheck if seizure symptoms need care

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Explanation

When someone is having a seizure, remember the "3 Ss" to provide safe and effective assistance:

Stay calm: Keep yourself composed to help the person effectively and avoid panic.

Stay safe: Clear the area of any sharp or dangerous objects to prevent injury, and gently guide the person away from harm. Do not restrain their movements or put anything in their mouth.

Stay with the person: Remain by their side until the seizure ends and they are fully alert. Turn them onto their side to keep their airway clear and call for emergency help.

Following the "3 Ss" helps protect the person having a seizure and ensures they get the care they need. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or want to better understand potential health issues, check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to get personalized insights in minutes.

(References)

  • Pavitt S, Carley A, Porter B, & Knowles JK. (2021). A Standardized Protocol to Improve Acute Seizure .... Hospital Pediatrics, 8006203.

  • Kateb HM, Babateen O, AlHabuobi HB, Aljohani SA, ALjayyar MW, Khayat TI, & Badawi AS. (2023). Preparedness of Citizens in Al-Madinah City to Deliver .... Cureus, 10739462.

  • Pek JH. (2017). Guidelines for Bystander First Aid 2016 - PMC. Singapore Medical Journal, 5523093.

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