Seizure First Aid: What You Must NOT Do When Someone Has a Fit — Doctor Explains

What Most People Do Wrong — And Why It Is Dangerous

Putting objects in the mouth: The most dangerous myth in seizure first aid. It is physically impossible to swallow one's tongue during a seizure. Putting fingers, spoons, keys, or any object in the mouth causes broken teeth, lacerations, and risks the rescuer being bitten. Objects can be inhaled into the airway and cause aspiration.

Restraining the person: Forcefully holding down a person in a tonic-clonic seizure can fracture bones and cause joint dislocations. You cannot stop a seizure by holding the person — the electrical discharge in the brain will continue regardless.

Giving water or medicine by mouth: During a seizure, the swallowing reflex is absent. Pouring water or tablets into a seizing person's mouth causes aspiration into the lungs — potentially causing aspiration pneumonia or asphyxiation.

Slapping or applying onion or shoes to the nose: These traditional remedies have no medical effect and waste critical time.

What You SHOULD Do

1. Stay calm. Time the seizure from onset
2. Clear the area — remove sharp objects, furniture, and hard surfaces that could cause injury
3. Gently roll the person onto their side (recovery position) — this prevents saliva or vomit from entering the airway
4. Cushion the head with something soft
5. Loosen clothing around the neck
6. Stay with the person and talk reassuringly as they regain consciousness

When to Call 108 (Emergency)

• Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus)
• The person does not regain consciousness within 5–10 minutes after the seizure stops
• A second seizure occurs shortly after the first
• The person is injured during the seizure
• It is their first-ever seizure
• The person has diabetes, is pregnant, or is in water

For epilepsy evaluation and management: Sri Anand CNC, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad. Call +91 90633 66983.