First aid for seizures

Seizures, fits or convulsions (uncontrollable shaking) in children can be caused by fever, head injuries, epilepsy and other conditions.

Signs of a seizure

• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness (blackout)
• Trouble breathing
• Stiffness or jerking of arms and legs
• Eyes rolling back Head arching back

When to seek help

Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance as soon as a seizure starts.

If you're waiting to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.

Care during a seizure

Do

• move your child to a safe position on the floor/ground and take away any sharp objects that may hurt them
• stay with your child
• write down the time the seizure starts and what happens to your child during the seizure so you can tell the ambulance officers and doctors.

Do not

• hold your child
• leave your child alone
• put anything in your child’s mouth
• give your child any food or drink.

Immediately after a seizure

• Roll your child onto their side
• Talk to your child calmly until they have fully recovered, or help arrives.

You can learn more about caring for a child who is having a seizure by completing a first aid course.

Developed by the Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS212. Reviewed: July 2022.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.