On any given shift, law enforcement may encounter persons exhibiting confused behavior, an inability to communicate, or a variety of behaviors inappropriate to time and place. There may be many causes of such behavior - some illegal and some medical. In some cases, these episodes will be the result of seizures. This is a disabling condition that requires a response that recognizes the involuntary nature of the episode.

We offer a training titled It Could be Epilepsy: A Field Guide for Law Enforcement. This hour-long training consists of a discussion with handouts and will:

• Support the officer's priority in maintaining his or her own safety and protect rights of the person having a seizure.
• Help the officer to understand the possibility that epilepsy may be the cause of unusual behavior.
• Increase the officer's ability to respond to situations, determine proper course of action and assess need for medical care.
• Increase officer's awareness and understanding of the nature, causes and effects of seizure disorder.
• Delineate and clarify the officer's role when handling calls concerning seizures.
• Provide the officer with easy reference information and tools necessary to react appropriately in the field of seizure management.
• Heighten officer awareness and sensitivity to people with disabilities.
• Improve awareness of the importance of maintaining access to seizure medications.

The Epilepsy Foundation recognizes the growing need to provide information to law enforcement and other first responders such as firefighters and EMT. Call us to schedule a training today! (423) 634-1772. We can tailor the program to suit your department's unique needs!

This program is funded by the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation.