What should you avoid doing to a patient having a seizure?

When a patient is experiencing a seizure, it is crucial to ensure their safety and prevent additional harm. Putting something in their mouth is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. This action can lead to serious injuries, such as broken teeth, cuts to the mouth or tongue, and even choking. There is a myth that placing an object in a person's mouth during a seizure can prevent them from biting their tongue, but this is not only ineffective but can also exacerbate the situation.

In contrast, timing the seizure, monitoring the airway, and clearing the area around the patient are all appropriate actions. Timing the seizure is important for medical personnel to understand the duration, which can help in determining if emergency intervention is needed. Monitoring the airway is critical to ensure that the patient can breathe properly, as seizures can lead to airway obstruction. Clearing the area helps to prevent injuries caused by the patient potentially hitting objects or falling. Together, these actions help protect the patient and manage the situation effectively.