Israeli Judge Accused of Tongue Pulling After Helping Epileptic Who Had Seizure in Courtroom

What was a routine Israeli traffic court appeals hearing turned dramatic Tuesday when the defendant suffered an epileptic seizure, leading the judge to jump from his bench to provide first aid.

Ynet quotes those present at the hearing who believe that Jerusalem District Court Judge Amnon Cohen saved the defendant's life:

At 10 am, the court convened to hear an appeal filed over a Traffic Court ruling regarding Jerusalem resident Eliyahu Alfasi, who was convicted of driving without a license or car insurance. Alfasi is a repeat traffic offender and the Traffic Court revoked his license for one year. The State Prosecutor's Office appealed the sentence, which it deemed as too light.

Several minutes before the hearing, Alfasi began feeling unwell. Moments later he collapsed in a full epileptic seizure and lost consciousness. Judge Cohen rushed to his side immediately and made sure he did not accidently suffocate.

Eyewitnesses said that Cohen's swift action saved Alfasi's life. Cohen served as a medic with the IDF Armored Corps.

All's well that ends well? Not really in this case. Ynet reports that after he recovered, Alfasi refused to go to the hospital and "instead of thanking the judge he accused him of hurting him by 'pulling' on his tongue."

The advocacy group for epileptic patients Epilepsy Action Australia says it's a myth that a person can swallow their tongue during a seizure. However, "when the tongue is completely relaxed and if the person is lying on their back, it can fall to the back of the throat, blocking the airway." It recommends not trying to restrain a seizure, rather rolling the patient on their side after the jerking stops and tilting the head back slightly to keep the airway open.