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Epilepsy and the Firefighter
I joined Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue UK in 1993. It has turned out to be more than i ever could have wanted. In Jan 09 I had a brain tumour removed and after 10 months on 1st Nov 09 I suffered my first seizure. It looks like my carear in the fire service is over. Management reckon the risk of me having a fit whilst on opperational duties is too high.
Can anybody help me in fighting them and getting me back to a job I love???
Thanks
Can anybody help me in fighting them and getting me back to a job I love???
Thanks
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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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 John Rulli Jr. on
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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
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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 Oldman on
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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 Martyn Candler on
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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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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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oops should apologize....spelled seizure wrong......LOL DUH...!!!! Paul
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Permalink Reply by Tony P on
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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 Capt./Chaplain Mike Petrosky on
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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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