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Seizures and Restraints
Sat, 11/27/2004 - 11:25Topic: Family & Friends
Can someone help me out here? This past weekend, I wound up at the hands of the EMTs of my area. My ride to the ER was a literal nightmare.My question is: Is it just this area of NJ or is it nationwide that EMTs believe that it's acceptable to use restraints on the patient of a seizure call? ALMOST EVERY SINGLE TIME they respond they seem to think that it's not only okay, but required, even when told not to by family or friends. At least in this instance, they didn't use the police officers' handcuffs! Usually were it not for the restraints, the aches and pains would be ending by now. My back feels like it was used for a trampoline, my shoulders feel as if they were dislocated and replaced and I have bruises that cannot be explained by any stretch of the imagination as resulting from a seizure.Any suggestions on enlightening them?
Comments
Re: Im from NJ and they
Submitted by Loo40 on Sat, 2007-02-03 - 03:45
I just thought I'd add a comment from a UK perspective. I can't believe that people with epilepsy are restrained in the way you are talking - are you guys in the dark ages over there. My husband has been taken (free - on the NHS) to hospital 3 times after his seizures. He does not get violent when coming out of a seizure but is active and wants to walk away/run away and would push and shove to get past. The first time it happpened we had no idea what was going on so tried to make him sit still and stay in one place. As soon as the paramedics arrived they told us to let him go where he wanted (as long as he was safe) and the literally talked him into sitting down on the bed and lying back. They then took him to hospital - belted in of course but in no way was he restrained. I can't believe it is still allowed in the US. They said it was far worse to try and restrain someone having a seizure and that all you should try and do is make sure they were not in danger. Seems more sensible to me!
Re: Re: Im from NJ and they
Submitted by pixiedust on Sat, 2007-02-03 - 15:49
Wow that way sounds so much better. I hope your husband is fine now....
Im from NJ and they
Submitted by pixiedust on Fri, 2007-02-02 - 23:45
Im from NJ and they restrained me too when I had a grand mal. I HATED IT. I think it made things worse for me, I remember becoming more violent, and I discovered bruises on my arm too later on, but I dont know if it was from the EMTs or what. NJ is a stupid state. What area do you live in? I live in Middlesex County Heres a suggestion... punch them.