Tragic Death Sparks New Call For Police and EMTs To Take Positive Action

For the Media:

Epilepsy Foundation Offers Training Through Community-Based Organizations

Washington, D.C. (August 10, 2007)–- In light of the recent tragic death of a young man who was allegedly denied his epilepsy medication while in law enforcement custody, the Epilepsy Foundation today urged first responder organizations to take advantage of seizure awareness and response training offered by Epilepsy Foundation affiliates across the country.

“We’ve been on the forefront of this issue for over a decade. We developed this training curriculum to teach law enforcement personnel and other first responders how they can reduce the risk of injury and a fatal outcome by remembering a few key points about epilepsy when handling citizens who may have a history seizures,” said Eric Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “This training is just one of the many programs that our affiliates provide in their communities to raise public awareness about epilepsy and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.”

The “Take Another Look: Police Response to Seizures and Epilepsy” and the accompanying video were developed with the Police Executive Research Forum and distributed to over 20,000 police departments nationwide.

The latest case, as reported in the Boston Globe, reemphasizes the need for law enforcement agencies and first responders to establish protocols that inform about epilepsy, the importance of patients having access to their anti-epilepsy medications, and how to recognize and respond to the various types of seizures.

According to Boston Globe reports, a Rhode Island man with epilepsy, Edimar Alves Araujo, died after being taken into custody by immigration and customs agents on an outstanding deportation warrant. According to the Boston Globe, he was apparently denied medication for epilepsy, which his sister had brought to him while in custody. While there is no conclusive information about the cause of Mr. Araujo’s death, reports indicate that the death occurred after he showed “physical signs of distress,” thus, suggesting he may have experienced a seizure.

“While the overwhelming majority of law enforcement do an outstanding job recognizing and handling citizens experiencing seizures, in some limited cases officials are ignoring or responding with force to common behaviors associated with seizures, which range from momentary short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions. The results of law enforcement or first responders failing to appropriately recognize a seizure can be fatal,” said Hargis.

Epilepsy, defined as chronic seizures, is a common neurological disorder that affects 3 million people nationwide and is a frequent reason for a call to emergency lines for assistance. “Accordingly,” Hargis concluded, “more avoidable deaths and injuries will occur unless these safeguards are put into place."

First responder agencies can call the Foundation’s toll free number, 1-800-332-1000 to get a copy of our current training curriculum.

About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or 1-888-Epilepsy.