HOME FIRST-AID MISTAKES: ’If someone is having a seizure, put a pencil in their mouth to keep them from swallowing or biting their tongue’

It’s a big no-no. If you put an object in someone’s mouth during a seizure, they could swallow it.

Here’s what you should do instead: during a seizure, people may twitch violently, foam at the mouth and even turn blue. But seizures are selflimiting, which means they’ll stop by themselves — so there’s nothing you can do except call for help and keep the person away from items around them that could cause injury.

Protect them from hurting themselves so clear away any sharp furniture, glass or anything hot. Don’t restrain them but use a blanket or clothing to protect their head from injury.

After the seizure, help the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back.