Back in '92 during my EMT classes we were taught that placing a stick or anything between the PTs teeth was more likely to cause damage. This damage to the teeth is caused when you have to pry open their jaws. If you have to pry open the jaw you are more apt to get your self bitten. I was speaking with the local fire marshal (who spent 20+ years driving the bus) and he has never seen or heard of someone in a seizure biting off their tounge. Car accidents yes, seizures no.
Can anyone actually working the streets in an EMS capacity comment?
I'd have to agree; I've never even heard of it. The occasional bloody tongue, but never actually severed.