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It is important that parents and caretakers remain calm, take first aid measures, and carefully observe the child.  If a child is having a febrile seizure, parents and caregivers should do the following: ¹

1. Note the start time of the seizure.  If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call an ambulance.  The child should be taken immediately to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Call an ambulance if the seizure is less than 5 minutes but the child does not seem to be recovering quickly.  
3. Gradually place the child on a protected surface such as the floor or ground to prevent accidental injury.  Do not restrain or hold a child during a convulsion.
4. Position the child on his or her side or stomach to prevent choking.  When possible, gently remove any objects from the child’s mouth. Nothing should ever be placed in the child's mouth during a convulsion. These objects can obstruct the child's airway and make breathing difficult.
5. Seek immediate medical attention if this is the child’s first febrile seizure and take the child to the doctor once the seizure has ended to check for the cause of the fever.  This is especially urgent if the child shows symptoms of stiff neck, extreme lethargy, or abundant vomiting, which may be signs of meningitis, an infection over the brain surface.¹

Dr. Rima Khinkarli

M.D. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist

^Reference:

^{1  Febrile seizures fact sheet, National institute of neurological disorders and stroke}