2. Do not try to restrain the person. There is nothing you can do to stop a seizure once it has begun; it must run its course.

3. Clear the area around the person so that the student is not injured on hard or sharp objects. Try not to interfere with movements in any way.

4. Do not force anything between the teeth. If the person's mouth is already open, you might place a soft object like a handkerchief between the side teeth.

5. It is not generally necessary to call a doctor unless the attack is followed almost immediately by another major seizure, or the seizure lasts more than about ten minutes.

6. When the seizure is over, let the person rest if he or she needs to.

7. Turn the incident into a learning experience for the class. Explain that the condition is not contagious and that it is nothing to be afraid of.

* Source: Epilepsy Foundation of America

Handling Emergencies

There may be an occasion when a student's condition needs immediate intervention in the clasroom. The most likely examples are seizures, diabetic shock (insulin reaction), and heart attacks. Should such a situation arise, call the University Police (285-1111) immediately. Give the building name, room number, and description of the emergency. Although an ambulance is usually not needed for most seizure incidents and insulin reactions, University Police may transport the student to the Health Center for additional treatment and observation until the crisis is under control.