Seizure on the train

Question 1

A passenger is on the floor convulsing. What's the right first action?

Accepted Answer

Clear the space around them, cushion the head with a folded jacket, and time the seizure

Answer

Hold them down to stop the shaking

Answer

Force something between their teeth

Answer

Sit them up and offer water

Question 2

Their jaw is clamped. Should you put something in their mouth?

Accepted Answer

No — never put anything in the mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue. You'll break their teeth, jaw, or your fingers

Answer

Yes — a wallet stops them swallowing their tongue

Answer

Only a soft cloth

Answer

A spoon is safest

Question 3

When does a seizure become a 999 call?

Accepted Answer

999 if: it's their first ever seizure, it lasts longer than 5 minutes, they have another seizure straight after, they're injured, they're pregnant, they're in water, or they don't fully recover between fits

Answer

Always 999, every time

Answer

Never — seizures always pass

Answer

Only if they bleed

Question 4

The seizure has stopped. They're breathing but very drowsy and not really responding. What now?

Accepted Answer

Place them in the recovery position to protect the airway, keep them warm, and stay with them

Answer

Try to wake them with a slap

Answer

Sit them up and offer water

Answer

Walk them off the train immediately

Question 5

Paramedics are boarding at the next station. Useful info?

Accepted Answer

Time the seizure started and stopped, how it looked (whole body convulsing? one side?), any injuries during, whether they're known to have epilepsy, and current level of response

Answer

How busy the train is

Answer

Their seat number

Answer

Nothing — paramedics know best

Seizure on the train — free online first aid refresher | Brity®