Epilepsy

[francisfirefly]

Hi all, a friend and operational firefighter i know, has passed out a twice in the last couple of years, obviously after the second time alarm bells have started ringing, and he is about to be sent for tests, doctors think he may have a mild form of epilepsy. he is obviously extremely worried about not only his own health but also that he may lose his job.

just really after any advice, knowledge, etc. especially if anyone knows any operational firefighter that has kept there job whilst suffering from epilepsy.

Many Thanks

[jokar]

It may well be stressed related.  My wife suffered the same thing and doctors said epilepsy straight away without any consideration of anything else.  It caused real problems as she wasn't allowed to drive and our children were at school outside of our immediate area and I was working/  However, afetr a series of tests with specilaists it was diagnosed as stress even though DVLA were unhelpful.

[Midland Retty]

Hi Francisfirefly

It depends on how bad your friend's condition is, and indeed whether or not it can be controlled and managed by medication to ensure that you chum doesn't pass out at a safety critical moment.

Most brigades now excercise common sense, employers cant just pension people off these days. If the employer can make reasonable adjustments to accomodate your friends condition then they legally should do so. If it means he has to take medication which would surpresses the condition and wouldnt hamper his ability to do his job then I doubt this would be an issue whatsoever. Also if it is something that can be successfulty treated then that too wouldn't be an issue.

Are there any symptoms which occur before he passes out? Because if there are and he can recognise them before he passes out this is also another step toward controlling and managing the problem. If you aware something is about to happen you can deal with it - he could tip the wink to his officer in charge when he feels the symptoms coming on, who would then ensure he isn't asked to get involved in anything to safety criticial (such as driving the fire applaince or wearing BA)
 

[Psuedonym]

Fire fly,

I've had epilepsy for a few years now so I've been through the mill with the doctors, employers etc. My advise would be to get your oppo to get a specific test for epilepsy. Don't leave it until he wakes up dead or takes others along with him.
I lost my job in the RN through it so job loss is a real possibility. I don't know what the Brigades' policy is, Midlands right, suitable alternative employment has to be explored,  but the DVLA will take his licence until he has had a clear number of years if it is diagnosed as epilepsy - check the DVLA Medical Dept. for current info, so driving to work will be out, never mind scating around in a bloody big fire engine.


It isn't the end of the world, it's controllable, some mild forms are treatable but life does goes on. Get medically checked ASAP.

EM me if you think I can offer any advice.