3. ▪During a fit, the ill person suddenly starts to
shake uncontrollably. It is different to normal
shivering and trembling. It may manifest in all
limbs or in just a single limb. Fits may be caused
by:
▪epilepsy; a rapidly developing fever ; malaria ;
a severe head injury or brain damage;
▪alcohol or drug abuse;
▪heart problems.
4. WHAT DO YOU SEE?
▪ The person:
▪ ■ may experience strange sensations before the actual fit
occurs: - seeing flashes of light; - hearing a murmur; -
having a strange taste in the mouth.
▪ ■ may suddenly shake uncontrollably;
▪ ■ may urinate or defecate without control;
▪ ■ may lose consciousness ;
▪ ■ may have blue lips and finger- and toenails;
▪ ■ may roll their eyes.
5. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
▪ During the fit:
▪ ■ Remove objects that could hurt the person, or move the
person to a safe place.
▪ ■ If possible, put something soft under the person’s head if
they are lying on the ground.
▪ ■ Do not try to restrict the person’s movements.
▪ ■ Do not put anything in their mouth.
6. When the fit stops: Remove the soft object from under the person’s
head and Check the person’s consciousness and breathing.
7. Pay attenttion
▪ Arrange urgent transport to medical care if:
▪ It is the person’s first fit; or there is more than one fit and the
person does not wake up between the fits; the fit lasts longer
than 5 minutes;
▪ No bystander is aware of the person suffering from epilepsy;
they have a fever ; the have hurt themselves during the fit;
they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
▪ the person is a child, is pregnant or has diabetes;
▪ ■ you are in doubt.
8. Make sure that the ill person can breathe freely. Loosen tight clothing.
■ Put the person into recovery position ;If the fit was caused by fever,
provide first aid as in fever ;Make sure the person can recover in a quiet
environment.
Provide assistance to make them comfortable (freshen up, change
clothes, etc.). Stay with the person and talk calmly, until they have
recovered.
A fit can be a sign of a serious illness. Anyone who has a fit and is not
known to have epilepsy, needs medical attention.
Check their consciousness and breathing every minute.
■ Act according to your observations.
9. Good to know! - Fits
▪ ■ The person cannot swallow their tongue during the fit. They
might bite their tongue, but this normally heals in a few days.
▪ ■ Putting an object or your finger in the mouth of someone
having a fit is dangerous for the ill person and yourself.
Do not force anything between the person’s teeth.
In children under the age of 5, febrile fits can occur as a result
of a rapidly developing fever
