Getting Emergency Help

ambulance

When should I call an ambulance?

An ambulance is only needed if a person has a life-threatening seizure or problems after a seizure.

A seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer.
One seizure occurs right after another without the person regaining consciousness or coming to between seizures.
Seizures occur closer together more than usual for that person.
Breathing becomes difficult or the person appears to be choking.
The seizure occurs in water.
Injury may have occurred.
The person asks for medical help.

Remember, you don’t need to call an ambulance for every seizure. Most seizures end on their own within a few minutes.

Reviewed By:

Epilepsy Foundation Communications

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