Avoid EMT

[jhaber]

I've had full-blown seizures, losing consciousness, at most once a year for 19 years (since age 37). I'd cope fine without otherwise disturbing my activities, and I can even drive, but strangers don't always see it that way. I've been expelled from two gyms, even with doctor's notes, including one in my apartment building.

My current gym (unless it has already expelled me) also always does the natural thing of calling an EMT, and I don't know how to reach agreement or train them. It costs not just time and money, but also often pain. The EMT twice now has violated treatment by forcibly restraining me, seeing my loss of language and inarticulate wish to stay put as conscious or dangerous. I've been handcuffed behind my back. Yesterday I was taken to an emergency room without the clothes from my locker. After being dismissed in 40 minutes, I had to walk out into a 45 degree drizzle (which hurt my back).

Is there anything I can do to work with people? A medical bracelet? Would they care? Yes, I know it doesn't help that I'm addicted to exercise.

My condition has always defied typical histories, drugs (now Keppra), or diagnosis (EEG), for well-known doctors, to the point that I was often sent on long, needless tests for arrhythmias. I get lots of warning with what may or may not count as an aura (a couple of minutes feeling lightheaded or perhaps better thickheaded) and that sometimes passes.

 

[Nakamova]

It sounds like your local EMTs are behind on their epilepsy training -- it's ridiculous and dangerous that you've been treated that way. I would contact the EMT company, as well as any state/city regulatory agency that oversees them.

A medical bracelet can't hurt, although there's no guarantee that it will be read. Make sure your gym informs its staff about what can occur and how to respond, including what they should tell EMTs. (For liability reasons they will probably always call the EMTs, even if you prefer that they don't). Ask if the gym can keep a medical information letter on hand.

Finally -- any chance you can get an exercise buddy?

 

[Endless]

I'm so sorry about the way you were treated. There's no excuse for it.

I wonder if access to gyms for people with epilepsy is covered under the ADA. It would be a great question to ask the Epilepsy Foundation. Their legal service has lawyers that can answer things like that. Here are some links: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsylegal/
http://www.epilepsynorcal.org/docs/Legal_Rights.pdf

I agree with Nak about working with the gym in advance, including providing the usual note from your doctor and asking them to notify the staff. You may also want to provide some quick info on epilepsy and how to respond. Here's a link to a 1-pager on first aid. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/newsroom/upload/Epilepsy-First-Aid.pdf

 

[dragonlady1978]

I'm sorry that what most people enjoy as a simple outing has become a hassle, a source of stress. I think that Nakamova is right in that any gym will probably continue to call EMT no matter what you say or even give them from your doc, from their position it's just too much a liability not to. But I can't believe that they can expell you from a gym for having a seizure...that is upsetting.

I also agree with talking to the local EMT's and gym staff anyway, as there's just no reason not to educate them on how you'd like them to respond.

I think a medical bracelet is a great idea, and not just for the gym. All emergency and medical personnel are trained to look for these things-it makes their job easier and in turn makes it easier to make decisions on how to respond with treatment if they can know your specifics when you're not able to give them.

I use medicalert for my son, they are a non-profit. It's cheaper for a child (around $15 a year) but I don't think it's much more for adults. He has a really cute little sportsband with animals on it, but there is alot of jewelry to pick from.

On the bracelet itself is the symbol that medics, fireman, and police look are trained to look for. On the back is the word EPILEPSY, and an 800 number and ID number. Anyone who finds it can call and report an emergency, even civilians. Medicalert calls EMT if it hasn't been done already, and they keep information to give to responders about your condition, who your docs are and contact info, what meds you take, etc. You can also list emergency contacts like family, and they'll even make that call for you and let whomever you list know that there's been an emergency and where you're going.

I can't speak for any of the other companies, but I'm sure there are plenty of other options out there. I think it's well worth it for the peace of mind. If not for the incidents that have happened at the gym-where you know you'll be and can inform people ahead of time-then for everywhere else you go that you might have an emergency.

 

[stephk]

hi there and welcome

I am not sure that you can be exiled from a gym because of Epilepsy, and well, i would do as endless recommended and look at the ADA rules about discrimmination.

With that said, many EMTs will automatically take you for a ride in the taxi with the ugly lights if 1. you are still in an altered state of consciousness and dont have anyone with you that will sign a waiver and 2. if even one person states that you have hit your head... well at least where i am... your going. It unfortunetly is a liability thing. However I am not understanding why they would handcuff you behind your back... uhh sounds like the police are a little agressive there?

I agree that a gym buddy would be a great idea, they could, in the least explain that you have Epilepsy and might even be able to prevent EMS from being called.

A medical id bracelett may help, but, if you are aggressive when you are coming out of your sz then chances are they won't look at it.

Best of luck.. hope that you can get it figured out