Epilepsy and the Firefighter

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on November 10, 2009 at 3:13pm

Sorry to hear about this. I hope the seizure isn't from another possible tumor. I'm not too sure on how you can really fight this though. I do believe even here in the states, someone who has epilpsy or even prone to seizures has to be seizure free for a certain time period before even being allowed to drive a car. There are meds and stuff which can help, but again one has to show they are seizure free for a time period before allowed to operate machinery, vehicles, etc. I don't personally know of any firefighters who are on the job with a seizure history.

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Permalink Reply by Martyn Candler on November 10, 2009 at 4:47pm

My scan on the sunday night showed all clear. There is a fire fighter in Scotland who is fully operational and has epilepsy. His doctor argued that it was no different from people taking blood pressure meds, angina meds, depression meds, or insulin. as long as the drugs control the condition, whats the problem??

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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on November 10, 2009 at 4:09pm

My brother has epilepsy. He goes months and sometimes up to a year without haven a seizure. I know how frustrating it is. Good luck brother!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on November 10, 2009 at 4:12pm

I believe that the period to be seixure free is 1 year in most states and that is just so you may drive....I'm not sure about the Fire service...easy way to find out...Call your governing body and ask....what have you to lose...? Paul

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Permalink Reply by Martyn Candler on November 10, 2009 at 4:50pm

Our driving staandards agency in the UK is the DVLA. My occupational health doctor reckons that when DVLA say i can drive a truck again, then i can come back to work. DVLA say i need to be 10 years fit and medication free before i can drive a truck again.

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Permalink Reply by Oldman on November 10, 2009 at 4:36pm

I'm not convinced your career in the fire service is over. Maybe fighting fires and making responses is not possible, but perhaps you could use your experience and talent, say in the role of an instructor. Maybe public education, or public relations.

I know firsthand the effects this disease has on a person (and their family) and I hope you have a successful recovery. But don't give up and say it's over. There are several areas, that while maybe not as exciting, are nonetheless just as important.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on November 10, 2009 at 8:23pm

oops should apologize....spelled seizure wrong......LOL DUH...!!!! Paul

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on November 11, 2009 at 7:02pm

Sorry to hear that Martyn. Have your doctor work with you to fight. Do you have something like our Epilpsy Foundation? Perhaps they can help as well. If the medical people can say that your condition is safely controlled by medication, that should help. Maybe the guy in Scotland , and his doctor, could give some advice? Many people will say 'no you can't do this' simply through their own lack of knowledge.

Good luck mate.

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Permalink Reply by Chaplain Mike on November 12, 2009 at 12:29pm

Martyn-I am a 43 year old firefighter that has had Epilepsy since I was 7 years old. In my case I had sudden onset, no trauma, etc. and to this day I still don't know what caused it. I have had Tonic-Clonic "grand mal" seizures since. In 1988 I had my last seizure and was put on different meds and I have been seizure free for 21 years. In 1991 I joined the fire service and was at first very concern, and am still today, but I know that I have to keep myself in check and take my meds faithfully. My dept. knows of my condition-I listed it on the application and on my accountability tags. So, I take it day to day and ask for God's help. So they are terminating you after 1 seizure? I would go a see a neurologist and get some testing done and see what they have to say. My doctors are very helpful to me. Take a list of ?'s into your doctor and have them answer your concerns, this is scary I know-been there done that. It will/may take some time to get straightened out-ask your dept. if you can do something in another capacity until you find out. Good Luck and God Bless. Stay Safe, Stay Low-Mike.

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