First Aid for Seizures
By Alan Peterson, MD

The Epilepsy Foundation reminds us of some simple first aid issues if someone near you is seen to have a convulsion or fit. It’s amazing to me how many individuals don’t know these recommendations. Over the years there has been a lot of myths concerning seizures, so the recommendations below are those that are agreed upon by the scientific and clinical realm.

The recommendations below are designed to protect the safety of the person until the seizures stops naturally by itself.  If you see someone having a seizure or convulsion, stay calm and follow these suggestions:

• Protect the person from nearby hazards.
• Turn them on their side to keep the airway clear. If the person should vomit, it is better not to have the person lying on his or her back.
• Do not restrain the person who is seizing. This may hurt the individual or you might become injured.
• Don’t put anything in their mouth. Years ago, it was suggested, at one time, to put a padded or soft object in the mouth to prevent one from swallowing or biting their tongue. This no longer suggested, again it could cause more damage than it is worth.
• Don’t try to hold the tongue. It cannot be swallowed. Once again, for years it was thought that someone could swallow their tongue during a seizure. This is not a fact. Once again, trying to hold the tongue can either injure the person having the seizure or the person trying to hold the tongue.
• Don’t try to give liquids during or just after the seizure. Foods and liquids could be aspirated or sucked into the lungs which could create further problems. 
• Look for a medical identification bracelet or necklace. Sometimes this will tell you that this is a chronic problem or other things that you should be aware of.
• Loosen ties or shirt collars if possible.
• Place a folded jacket or some other soft material under the head.
• Don’t use artificial respiration unless breathing is absent after muscle jerks subside, or unless water has been inhaled.
• If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or another one starts soon after the first, call 911.
• Reassure the person when consciousness returns. Many times the individual is not aware of what occurred, especially if they never had a seizure before. It’s not unusual for the person to become sleepy or confused after the seizure. Don’t leave the patient alone until a family member or someone else arrives.