What should you do if a person suddenly makes a strange sound and falls to the ground unconscious lying stiffly on their back for a few seconds before beginning to jerk their arms and legs?

Answer 1

Those are the classic symptoms of an epileptic event. HOWEVER, making a "strange sound" is NOT a classic symptom. In fact, most people who have an epileptic seizure (from epilepsy or even a high fever) never make any vocal sounds. They simply fall over and begin to seize in Grand Mal seizures. Petit Mal seizures may cause the person to just stare off in space after which they are confused.

FIRST - and most important... call emergency services immediately.

Second - Speak calmly. Stay calm. Don't panic.

Third - Do NOT forcibly try to hold the person down and do NOT try to force them into any particular position! Protect the patient from hitting their head or face; for example, place pillows between the person and a nearby table leg. Let the seizure continue.

Fourth - move any hard or sharp objects away from the patient, to reduce the risk of harming themselves.

Fifth - as they start to recover (assuming medical help hasn't arrived yet) - reassure them and keep them calm. Expect that the person may be confused or disoriented.

Sixth - Do NOT move the person. Let them continue to lay on the floor or ground, or sit up. Cover with a sheet or blanket if needed.

* DO NOT give anything to eat or drink - the person will need medical help afterward.

** NOTE: Myoclonic-tonic tremors are not epileptic seizures. Those are rapid twitching of one or more limbs; it is a neurological condition; do not try to hold the limb down. If a person is speaking and conversing with you, they are not in an epileptic seizure.