If a person experiences more than three seizures within five minutes and no seizure protocol is place, what should you do?

• A. Administer a second dose immediately.
• B. Monitor and wait for it to stop on its own.
• C. Wait for 10 minutes before taking action.
• D. Call emergency services.

Answer: (D)

When seizures cluster like this—more than three in five minutes with little or no recovery between them—it is a medical emergency. There’s a real risk of status epilepticus, where seizures continue or recur without the person waking up, which can lead to breathing problems, injury, or brain damage. The safest course is to call emergency services right away so trained professionals can assess and treat and determine whether rescue meds or hospital care are needed.

While waiting for help, keep the person safe: move nearby hazards away, do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth, and, once the seizure ends, place them on their side to help with breathing and airway protection. Note when the first seizure started and how long it lasts, so you can tell responders. Do not try to administer another dose or wait to see if it stops on its own without a clear emergency plan. If they do not regain consciousness after the seizures or if breathing becomes labored, continue to monitor and call again or provide updates to EMS.