Practical questions
A seizure in Dubai: protect, time it and know when to call
A first seizure, breathing problems, serious injury or repeated seizures without recovery needs emergency help on 998 in the UAE. If a seizure is longer than usual—or over five minutes when the usual duration is unknown—call for emergency help. Do not wait for a routine home-visit enquiry to be answered.
General information for adults. Not a substitute for medical assessment.
Reduce nearby danger without restraint
Move hazards away where possible and cushion the head if the person is on the ground. Do not hold the person down or put anything, including fingers, in their mouth. Note when the episode starts and finishes. Move the person only if necessary to avoid an immediate danger.
Source: NHS — Seizure first aid
Stay and follow the breathing guidance
Stay with the person, speak calmly and follow the dispatcher’s instructions about position and breathing after movements stop. Do not give food or drink until fully recovered. If there is an established care plan, only carry out emergency medicine actions you are authorised and trained to perform; never borrow another person’s treatment.
Give a clear handover, not a diagnosis
Tell responders the duration, whether consciousness returned, injuries and any known relevant condition. Not every unusual movement proves epilepsy, and recovery does not remove every need for assessment. Protect the person’s dignity: filming for social media is not useful first aid and can distract from their care.
Source: NHS — Seizure first aid
Common questions
Should I stop the movements by holding the person?
No. Do not restrain them; reduce nearby hazards.
Should anything be placed in the mouth?
No, including fingers, food or drink during the episode.
Can a known epilepsy plan be followed by anyone?
Only perform actions you are appropriately trained and authorised to carry out.
Sources and information limits
Sources support general medical principles, not the UAE booking policies or service availability. Confirm instructions and local arrangements with the care provider. The update date does not claim clinician review.
Content policy and review statusQuestions before arranging an appointment?
Enquire about the next steps and availability. An enquiry does not confirm a booking or diagnosis and is not an emergency service.