Person who has a seizure

Male_UT_RN · Nov 29, 2005

I agree with the Red Cross instructor for the reason, that if the person is epileptic and the seizure is less then 3 minutes and if they refuse the care from the paramedics. You most likely tied up a resource to answer call and then not be needed, not to mention the person may have gotten embarassed with all the attention that was brought to them. Besides who is going to pay for the gas that the paramedics used to get there and then just return back.

As a person with a seizure disorder I know from first hand expirence I would not want attention drawn to me or my seizure. Besides I would feel bad tying up a resource when I am going to have a family member or friend take me to the ED. Besides I usually get combative in the postictial state and am more willing to listen to family and or friends then the paramedics, and the that thing I would want to do is give the medics a hard time, since they have my respect.

But I do understand that if there is an certain amount of not knowing, and in that case I would say go with your gut instincts and get someone to call 911. What is it really going to hurt?

HappyJaxRN · Nov 29, 2005

I agree with the Red Cross instructor for the reason, that if the person is epileptic and the seizure is less then 3 minutes and if they refuse the care from the paramedics. You most likely tied up a resource to answer call and then not be needed, not to mention the person may have gotten embarassed with all the attention that was brought to them. Besides who is going to pay for the gas that the paramedics used to get there and then just return back.
As a person with a seizure disorder I know from first hand expirence I would not want attention drawn to me or my seizure. Besides I would feel bad tying up a resource when I am going to have a family member or friend take me to the ED. Besides I usually get combative in the postictial state and am more willing to listen to family and or friends then the paramedics, and the that thing I would want to do is give the medics a hard time, since they have my respect.
But I do understand that if there is an certain amount of not knowing, and in that case I would say go with your gut instincts and get someone to call 911. What is it really going to hurt?

I could 'what if' this scenerio all day. I just feel...that...if I was called to come and help someone...and I didn't see the initial seizure, how do I know it's gone on longer or shorter than 3 minutes? Plus, who's to say that this person didn't have a seizure prior to my arriving there? I don't know...what if...what if...what if....I know someone who died of a grand mal seizure...it scares me to think of someone having a grand mal in front of me...and I don't call for 911. CYA? Lol...I understand what you're saying...I'd still call tho. Poo on me. :lol2: Oh well....I would hate to respond, I don't call 911, I walk away....everyone knowing I'm medically trained and then something happens...great....:chair:

10ACGIRL · Nov 29, 2005

Woot! We agree on something . . and we share a disorder. :)
steph

I would have never guess that you might suffer the same! Well, it IS nice to know that you are not alone in tjis big epileptic world! I just had a light seizure a few days b4 we left for going up to Ohio to get hubby's mom and bring her down to her winter home in Largo, Florida

FirstYear2005 · Nov 29, 2005

i'm just a student nurse, but can't one loose their license over something like this ??

allnurses Guide · Nov 30, 2005

i'm just a student nurse, but can't one loose their license over something like this ??

Yep, I lost mine twice. But got it back twice.

steph

kadokin, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2005

Yep, I lost mine twice. But got it back twice.
steph

So, what happened? Did it have something to do w/not calling emergency response in a situation outside of your workplace.

I'm curious

Barinbass · Nov 30, 2005

What license was lost? Driver's or Nursing? Donno why this would be an issue re Nursing license? The standard protocol is after 5 minutes call 911, but since it takes a while for them to get there, realistically that 5 minutes really doesn't mean much. Since this was a stranger, I would call 911. Ya never know what other comorbidities may be playing out too. Sometimes, sz are triggered by Cardiac, metabolic, and others as well, so to have 911 there to assess them from a Medical standpoint is a very good thing. I want to add that after 30 minutes of seizing, permanent brain damage can occur so you never let a person seize until it stops. Use the 5 minute rule as your upper parameter. To the one whose child has had over 500 GM ( Tonic Clonic), Is he being treated by an Epileptologist or general neuro? The Epileptologist makes a huge difference! Glad to meet others who share this commonality. 7 yrs for me. I had the surgery. Got my life back. Nice to meet all of you. TweetyRN

HappyJaxRN · Nov 30, 2005

Yep, I lost mine twice. But got it back twice.
steph

Um...there's a law called the Good Samaritin Law. Can't spell it...you shouldn't loose your license unless you were WORKING in the capacity of a nurse...or medical personnel..say at like...a hospital or something. I believe responding to help someone and that person dying or becoming injured shouldn't be cause for you to loose your license...I guess unless it was gross negligence?? I don't know. I could be wrong here....What happened? :confused:

Bipley · Nov 30, 2005

Um...there's a law called the Good Samaritin Law. Can't spell it...you shouldn't loose your license unless you were WORKING in the capacity of a nurse...or medical personnel..say at like...a hospital or something. I believe responding to help someone and that person dying or becoming injured shouldn't be cause for you to loose your license...I guess unless it was gross negligence?? I don't know. I could be wrong here....What happened?

Depends on the state.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Nov 30, 2005

I would always call 911. Too many unknowns and Iam not taking the risk or responsibility. I will hand them off to the trained 1st responders and let them make the call based on their protocols and clinical judgement. I think it would be ectremely foolhardy to help the person having a seizure(establish care) and not do this. The other choice is too not get involved at all. Everyone must do what is right for them.

10ACGIRL · Nov 30, 2005

i'm just a student nurse, but can't one loose their license over something like this ??

No, one can not loose their licence because of a seizure disorder! First that would be job discrimination. second if you are in any medical facility of any kind, you will be in the best of hands and if you were to have one, that would be the best place to be for your safety since you would end up going to a hospital anyhow.:balloons:

grannynurse FNP student · Nov 30, 2005

No, one can not loose their licence because of a seizure disorder! First that would be job discrimination. second if you are in any medical facility of any kind, you will be in the best of hands and if you were to have one, that would be the best place to be for your safety since you would end up going to a hospital anyhow.:balloons:

Sorry but you are slightly incorrect. Any medical condition that can impact on your ability to function in your professional capacity, can cause a review of your fitness, in most states. A seizure disorder can trigger the revokation of your drivers license. The law varies from state to state but a seizure can lead to suspension or revokation of your drivers license. Conditions can also be imposed on your obtaining or keeping your drivers license and your nursing license.

Grannynurse:balloons: