Fits and seizures

ⓘWhat you are dealing with

Most fits stop by themselves within two to three minutes. Your job is to keep the person safe and to time it, not to stop it.

✓Do this, in this order

1. Look at the clock and start timing the moment it begins.
2. Move furniture and hard objects away, and put something soft under the head.
3. Loosen anything tight around the neck, and let the movements happen.
4. When the jerking stops, gently roll them onto their side so saliva can drain, and tilt the head back a little.
5. Stay with them and talk calmly. Confusion and drowsiness for ten to thirty minutes afterwards is normal.
6. Note what you saw, how long it lasted and how they recovered. That description helps the doctor more than any test.

✗Never do this

• Never put a spoon, cloth, finger or anything else into the mouth. People do not swallow their tongue, and you will break teeth or be bitten.
• Do not hold the person down or try to stop the movements.
• Do not give water, food or medicine until they are fully awake and able to speak clearly.
• Do not make them smell onions, shoes or chappals. It does nothing.