Let’s Talk Epilepsy First Aid—Without Freaking Out

Today is International Purple Day, which means it’s time to rock some purple, drop some knowledge, and maybe—just maybe—become someone’s unexpected hero.

If you’ve ever seen a seizure, you know it can be scary, confusing, and leave you wondering if you should call 911 or just awkwardly flail your arms in panic. But here’s the thing, epilepsy isn’t just about the seizures. It affects daily life, independence, and the sanity of everyone involved.

And trust me. I should know.

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Epilepsy: Not Just a Seizure Thing

I have epilepsy.

For over seven years, my seizures were totally out of control. That meant:

No driving. (Goodbye, road trips. Hello, permanent passenger seat.)

No cooking. (Because fire and seizures? Bad combo.)

No showering alone. (Because the last thing you want is to be found unconscious, soaking wet, and wrapped in a shower curtain like a burrito.)

Extreme fatigue & brain fog. (Ever felt like a zombie but without the hunger for brains? Yeah, that was me.)

For years, I wasn’t just living with epilepsy, I was trapped by it. My independence was gone, my energy was non-existent, and I felt like my body was under the control of a glitchy electrical system with zero regard for my plans. My computer frequently crashed. Files were corrupted. Blue screen of death. 

Fast-forward 15 years, and I’ve been essentially seizure-free. Gaining control of my epilepsy wasn’t just life-changing—it was like getting a “You Can Actually Live Your Life Again” pass. I got back behind the wheel, cooked my own food, and reclaimed the independence I had lost.

But not everyone gets that chance. That’s why knowing epilepsy first aid matters because while seizures are unpredictable, being prepared isn’t.

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Epilepsy First Aid: The Do’s and the “For the Love of Purple, Don’t”

✅ DO: Stay calm

Yes, someone just collapsed, and their body is doing an impromptu interpretive dance. No, this is not the time to scream “HELP, THEY’RE POSSESSED!” Just breathe and focus! I've heard seizures look intense. But good news...most end on their own.

✅ DO: Time it

If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call 911. Otherwise, let it run its course. 

✅ DO: Turn them on their side

Gravity and bodily fluids don’t mix well. Gently rolling them onto their side helps keep their airway clear.

✅ DO: Protect their head

A jacket, a backpack, a rolled-up sweater—whatever you’ve got. Just make sure their head isn’t meeting the pavement like it owes them money.

✅ DO: Stay with them

They’re going to wake up feeling like they just got hit by a truck (without the actual truck). They’ll likely be confused, exhausted, and in desperate need of reassurance. Stick around and let them know they’re okay.

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❌ DON’T: Stick Anything in Their Mouth

Look, unless you’re a dentist AND they have an appointment, do not—under any circumstances—shove anything in their mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue, but they can break teeth, bite their tongue, or choke on whatever brilliant object you decide to place in there. 

❌ DON’T: Hold Them Down

This isn’t a wrestling match. Seizures can’t be “stopped” by force, and trying to restrain someone could actually injure them (or you, if they accidentally slap you in the face).

❌ DON’T: Freak Out

Seizures look dramatic, but most aren’t medical emergencies. Running in circles, calling an exorcist, or making TikToks instead of helping? Not the move.

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The Ripple Effect: Why Epilepsy Affects Everyone

When one person has epilepsy, their whole circle feels it. It means:

Parents (and spouses) become personal bodyguards (minus the sunglasses and earpiece). Thanks, honey! 

Siblings (and children) become low-key seizure experts (and totally use it as an excuse to skip chores). A huge thanks to my kiddo! 

Friends start playing chauffeur and planning activities that don’t include sleep deprivation. Thanks homeschool family and especially my partner in crime! 

Co-workers become extra observant, which is great until they start mistaking normal daydreaming for an absence seizure.

For years, my family was on constant seizure duty. They watched over me like hawks with anxiety, trying to let me live while keeping me from, you know, accidentally dying. When I finally got seizure control, it wasn’t just my victory, it was theirs, too.

That’s why epilepsy awareness is so important. Because it’s not just about the person having seizures, it’s about the entire team behind them.

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Final Thoughts: Be a Purple Day Hero

If you made it this far, congratulations! You’re now more prepared for a seizure than 90% of people. You officially have superhero status, minus the cape (unless you own one, in which case, wear it with pride).

Happy International Purple Day!

Bonus: I found this in my archives and maybe, just maybe, it will help you if first aid needs to be rendered.