← Help in Grant County

Someone is having a seizure

Use when someone suddenly falls and shakes or jerks, goes stiff, or stares and doesn't respond, and people nearby need to keep them safe.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Keep them safe

Stay calm and stay with them. Look at the time. Most seizures stop in 1-2 minutes.
Move hard or sharp things away. Put something soft under the head.
Loosen anything tight around the neck. Take off glasses.
Don't hold them down. Don't put anything in their mouth. They can't swallow their tongue.

2Call 911 if

The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or another one starts.
They have trouble breathing or don't wake up after the shaking stops.
They were hurt, it happened in water, they are pregnant or have diabetes, or it's their first seizure.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7

3After the shaking stops

Roll them onto their side so they can breathe and won't choke.
Stay with them until they are fully awake. They may be confused, tired or embarrassed. Speak quietly and tell them what happened.
You can ask"Do you have epilepsy? Is there medicine or a person we should call?" Look for a medical ID bracelet.
Hidalgo Medical Services
Call4Health: After-hours nurse advice line
855-742-3400
· After hours

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.