"How to Perform Emergency First Aid When a Child Has a Convulsion?"

Emergency Measures for Children with Convulsions

(1) When a child has a convulsion, parents should remain calm, avoid shouting or shaking the child, and let the child lie quietly in bed to prevent any unnecessary stimulation.

(2) Promptly clear any secretions from the child's mouth to maintain a clear respiratory tract. Position the child's head to one side to prevent secretions and vomit from entering the airways and causing suffocation.

(3) To prevent injury, wrap a piece of gauze around a chopstick or toothbrush handle and place it between the child's upper and lower front teeth to prevent biting the tongue.

(4) If the child has a high fever, apply a cold, damp cloth to the forehead for cold compresses, replacing it frequently, or rub the body with diluted white liquor (baijiu) and boiling water.

(5) Acupuncture or nail pressing can be used to stop convulsions. Avoid administering medication to the child without proper medical advice, as improper treatment can be detrimental.

(6) Immediately transport the child to a hospital for professional diagnosis and treatment. Take emergency measures promptly.

Emergency Treatment Techniques

(1) Reviving Consciousness and Opening Blocked Channels: To promptly alleviate loss of consciousness, clenched jaws, and severe convulsions, use pinching techniques to stimulate the senses. This involves pinching key acupoints such as Renzhong (GV26), Hegu (LI4), Yintang (GV29), and Yongquan (KI1) with firm pressure, repeating the process several times. If the jaws are clenched, perform acupuncture on Guanchong (SJ5) and Xiaguan (ST7) to induce bleeding. If the child is lethargic, blowing into the nostrils or gently tickling the nose can induce sneezing. Regularly brushing the teeth with a switch or wu mei (dark-colored plum) can help loosen clenched jaws. Following these steps, administer Suhexiang Pill or Baodan Pill to aid in consciousness recovery, which usually yields immediate results.

(2) Stopping Convulsions: The folk remedy of "Opening the Four Gates" is a commonly used and effective method during convulsions. "Opening the Four Gates" refers to stimulating the Hegu (LI4, bilateral) acupoints on the Yangming Meridian and the Taichong (LR3, bilateral) acupoints on the Zhongjueyin Meridian, totaling four acupoints on both sides of the body. After applying strong stimulation through acupuncture, perform moxibustion for 3-4 sessions, which often promotes blood circulation and temporarily halts convulsions.