Why is Epilepsy an issue in EMS?
- By John Bignell
- Published March 24, 2008
John Bignell
John Bignell started his career in broadcasting as the producer and co-host of the Internet’s first paramedic podcast, EMS Live. Taking the experience gained there, he co-founded Podcast Plus a creative communications agency focusing on consulting businesses, charities and associations on the use of cutting edge communications which are becoming a mainstream part of organization’s internal and external communication strategies. He has also been featured in various publications, national radio programs and podcasts in Canada and the United States. When breaking free of the office, you’ll find him in nature, camping, hiking, geocaching, mountain biking, surfing, and sailing.
A
paramedic or firefighter that is actively having seizures, that are not
controlled by medications, shouldn't be a part of emergency services.
According to Nova Scotia Epilepsy Association, less then 25% of cases
will have difficulty achieving seizure control, which leaves us with
75% - 80% of cases where seizures can be either partially or completely
controlled with medication. Most cases are controlled with medication,
and very rarely do people even know that someone has the condition.
Many adults who live with epilepsy can have normal active lives without
taking medications, and like myself haven't had a seizure or taken
medications in many years.
When I read this article I find I get very frustrated with the lack knowledge and education that many of our managers and city employers have on this condition. It's a shame that Jamie Moore wasn't given an opportunity to do the job she loved and that the city figured she was better suited for a job in dispatch, which also shows their lack of respect towards communications as a stressful and demanding job that is very time sensitive.
I think EMS managers should be more concerned with staff that have asthma, diabetics, or people with hypertension or other debilitating medical conditions. I have never had a partner that had any issues with seizure, but I been on many calls where my partner has told me they were "low and needed to eat", or couldn't breathe because their asthma was acting up, or too obese to carry the stretcher down a flight of stairs. So if all of these conditions are "OK" in EMS, then why isn't controlled Epilepsy?
In response to this article: Firefighter-Paramedic Diagnosed With Epilepsy Sues City
An epileptic firefighter-paramedic has sued the city of West Palm Beach, alleging the city demoted her to be a dispatcher, a stressful position for which she was not qualified. Jamie Moore worked for the city from 1993 to May 2006, when she says she was forced to resign rather than be terminated, and was not provided a reasonable accommodation for her disability, the suit states.
http://halifaxcitizen.com
When I read this article I find I get very frustrated with the lack knowledge and education that many of our managers and city employers have on this condition. It's a shame that Jamie Moore wasn't given an opportunity to do the job she loved and that the city figured she was better suited for a job in dispatch, which also shows their lack of respect towards communications as a stressful and demanding job that is very time sensitive.
I think EMS managers should be more concerned with staff that have asthma, diabetics, or people with hypertension or other debilitating medical conditions. I have never had a partner that had any issues with seizure, but I been on many calls where my partner has told me they were "low and needed to eat", or couldn't breathe because their asthma was acting up, or too obese to carry the stretcher down a flight of stairs. So if all of these conditions are "OK" in EMS, then why isn't controlled Epilepsy?
In response to this article: Firefighter-Paramedic Diagnosed With Epilepsy Sues City
An epileptic firefighter-paramedic has sued the city of West Palm Beach, alleging the city demoted her to be a dispatcher, a stressful position for which she was not qualified. Jamie Moore worked for the city from 1993 to May 2006, when she says she was forced to resign rather than be terminated, and was not provided a reasonable accommodation for her disability, the suit states.
http://halifaxcitizen.com
