the floor, but _allow them full play_. If the victim rolls on his face
gently turn him on his back.

Roll a large handkerchief up _from the side_ (not diagonally) and holding
one end firmly, tie a knot in the other end, and place it between the teeth
to protect the tongue; or slide the handle of a spoon or a piece of smooth
wood between the teeth, and thus hold the tongue down. Soft articles like
cork and indiarubber should not be used, for if they are bitten through,
the rear portion will fall down the throat and choke the victim.

After the fit, lower the head to one side to clear any vomitus which, if
left, might be drawn into the windpipe, lift the patient on to a couch,
cover him warmly, and let him sleep. An epileptic's bed should be placed on
the ground floor; if his bed be upstairs, it is difficult to get him there
after an attack, while he may at any time fall downstairs and be killed.

Any effort to rouse him will only make the post-epileptic stupor more
severe, but whether he sleeps or not, he must carefully be watched, for
patients in this state are apt to slip away, often half-clothed, and travel
towards nowhere in particular at a wonderfully rapid rate.

If several fits follow one another, or if one is very long or severe, send
for a doctor.

When a seizure occurs in public, a constable should be summoned, who, being
a "St. John" man, will be of far more use than bystanders brimming over
with sympathy--_and ignorance_. If some kindly householder near by will
allow the victim to sleep for an hour or two--a boon usually denied more
from fear of recurrence than lack of sympathy, it is better than taking him
home. If not, let someone call a cab, and deliver the victim safely to his