EMS should be activated if a seizure lasts longer than how many minutes?

EMS should be activated if a seizure lasts longer than how many minutes?

• A. 7
• B. 5
• C. 15
• D. 10

Answer: (B)

The key idea is recognizing when a seizure needs urgent medical help. Five minutes is the commonly used threshold. Seizures that last longer than five minutes are not typical and can signal ongoing brain distress or complications, so EMS should be activated promptly. This helps ensure the person gets appropriate evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. In practice, if the seizure continues past five minutes, or if another seizure begins right after the first, or if the person is injured, has trouble breathing, won’t regain consciousness after it ends, or has any concerning symptoms (pregnancy, diabetes, recent head injury, etc.), call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, keep the person safe—don’t restrain movements, don’t put anything in the mouth, and place them on their side once the seizure stops to help maintain an open airway.

The key idea is recognizing when a seizure needs urgent medical help. Five minutes is the commonly used threshold. Seizures that last longer than five minutes are not typical and can signal ongoing brain distress or complications, so EMS should be activated promptly. This helps ensure the person gets appropriate evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.

In practice, if the seizure continues past five minutes, or if another seizure begins right after the first, or if the person is injured, has trouble breathing, won’t regain consciousness after it ends, or has any concerning symptoms (pregnancy, diabetes, recent head injury, etc.), call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, keep the person safe—don’t restrain movements, don’t put anything in the mouth, and place them on their side once the seizure stops to help maintain an open airway.