Seizure First Aid in Schools: Teacher & Staff Safety Guide

A seizure in the classroom can be a frightening experience—for both the student having it and those witnessing it. But with the right knowledge, teachers and staff can respond confidently and calmly. First aid for seizures is simple, and your actions can help keep a student safe while reducing panic for others in the room.

Understanding Seizures

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. There are different types, but in schools, the most commonly witnessed are:

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): Loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and jerking movements.

  
  

• Absence seizures: Brief lapses in attention, often mistaken for daydreaming.

  
  

• Focal seizures: May involve confusion, twitching, or unusual behavior.

  
  

First Aid for a Generalized Seizure

If a student has a seizure involving shaking or loss of consciousness:

DO:

• Stay calm and reassure others.

  
  

• Protect the student from injury. Clear nearby furniture and objects.

  
  

• Ease them to the floor if they’re standing.

  
  

• Place something soft (like a jacket) under their head.

  
  

• Turn them on their side to help keep the airway clear once the jerking stops.

  
  

• Time the seizure. Most last 1–2 minutes.

  
  

• Stay with the student until they are fully alert and safe.

  
  

DO NOT:

• Do not restrain their movements.

  
  

• Do not put anything in their mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue.

  
  

• Do not give food, drink, or medication until they are fully alert.

  
  

When to Call 911

Always seek emergency help if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

  
  

• It’s the student’s first known seizure.

  
  

• They have trouble breathing or do not regain consciousness.

  
  

• Another seizure begins shortly after the first.

  
  

• The student gets injured during the seizure.

  
  

• You’re unsure what to do.

  
  

After the Seizure

Once the seizure ends:

• Stay with the student—they may be confused, tired, or embarrassed.

  
  

• Provide privacy if possible.

  
  

• Let them rest or visit the school nurse before returning to class.

  
  

• Reassure classmates and provide a calm explanation if appropriate.

  
  

• Document the incident and inform the school nurse, administrators, and the student’s guardians.

  
  

Proactive Classroom Seizure Safety

• Know your students. If a student has a known seizure disorder, have an individualized Seizure Action Plan on file.

  
  

• Train all staff. Everyone should know the basics of seizure first aid.

  
  

• Share awareness. Create a compassionate, informed classroom culture to reduce fear and stigma.

  
  

• Keep the environment safe. Minimize hard or sharp surfaces around learning areas.

  
  

Conclusion 

Seizures in the classroom are unexpected but manageable. With quick thinking and the right knowledge, teachers and school staff can provide immediate, life-saving care while helping the student feel supported and safe.