What should you do if a victim is convulsing?

When a person is convulsing, the most critical action is to protect their head and keep the airway open. This is vital because during a seizure, individuals are at risk of injuring themselves, particularly their heads, as they may thrash about uncontrollably. By protecting their head—perhaps by placing something soft underneath it—you reduce the chance of injury.

Additionally, ensuring that the airway remains open is essential. Seizures can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to the person being unable to breathe properly. Keeping the airway clear prevents choking and ensures that they can breathe adequately until the convulsion subsides.

In contrast, forcing someone down can lead to additional injury, as can attempting to get them to move around or offering food and drink, both of which are inappropriate and potentially dangerous during a seizure. Each of these actions could exacerbate the situation rather than provide any benefit, making the choice to protect the individual's head and maintain an open airway the most responsible and effective course of action.