That statement is dangerous and incorrect.

Is it true you should put something in their mouth?

No. You should never put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure.

  • It is not possible to “swallow your tongue” because tissue under the tongue keeps it attached in place.
  • Putting objects in the mouth can cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, choking, or block the airway.
  • You can also be seriously bitten if you put your fingers in their mouth.

So the line “when helping someone during a seizure, put something in their mouth to prevent them from swallowing their tongue” is a harmful medical myth, not good first aid.

What you should actually do

Most seizure first-aid can be remembered as “stay, safe, side” — stay with them, keep them safe, roll them on their side.

1. Stay calm and with the person

  • Ease them gently to the ground if they start seizing while standing.
  • Stay nearby, speak calmly, and note how long the seizure lasts.

2. Keep the area safe

  • Move hard or sharp objects (furniture, tools, glass) away from them.
  • Loosen tight clothing around the neck and remove glasses.
  • Place something soft (folded jacket or towel) under their head.

3. Turn them on their side

  • When it is safe, gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position.
  • This helps keep the airway clear, lets saliva or vomit drain out, and prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat.

4. Call for emergency help if needed

Call emergency services if any of these are true:

  1. The seizure lasts longer than about 5 minutes.
  2. Another seizure starts right after the first.
  3. The person is injured, has trouble breathing, is pregnant, has diabetes, or this is their first known seizure.
  4. The seizure happens in water.

What you must NOT do

  • Do not put anything in their mouth: no fingers, spoons, wallets, pencils, or bite blocks.
  • Do not try to hold them down or stop their movements.
  • Do not give food, drink, or pills until they are fully awake and able to swallow safely.
  • Do not attempt CPR during the seizure itself unless they are not breathing after it ends and you are trained.

Quick forum-style takeaway

“When helping someone during a seizure, put something in their mouth so they don’t swallow their tongue” – this is a myth and can seriously hurt them.

The safest approach:

  • Stay with them.
  • Keep the area safe.
  • Roll them gently onto their side.
  • Call for help if the seizure is prolonged or they do not recover normally.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.