How can officer safety be ensured in situations involving seizures due to epilepsy or other causes?
Officers and deputies will follow standard safety precautions when approaching an unknown situation; however, when there is a possibility that a seizure is the cause of the behavior that is observed, they will • stay calm and assert authority to those in the surrounding area • address the individual in a non-threatening tone to assess level of awareness and response • look for medical information bracelet or necklace stating “epilepsy” or “seizure disorder” • ask bystanders what happened, and whether the individual has had similar episodes in the past or is known to have epilepsy • guide individual away from hazards or into a secluded area away from crowds by means of a shepherding motion (moving in front to block the way and thus turning into a preferred area and away from an undesirable location) while speaking in a calming, reassuring tone. • remember that the most likely danger in dealing with someone having a seizure is that he or she will strike out aggressively in response to ph
