Law Enforcement Training

 

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    Law enforcement and public safety officers may encounter people who are confused, behaving inappropriately, having difficulty understanding commands, or unable to talk. These actions may be symptoms of epilepsy and the person may be experiencing a seizure. It is critical for all law enforcement and public safety officers to know how to recognize and respond to a person experiencing a seizure. It is also important for them to protect the rights of the individual and ensure their safety, in addition to their own safety.

    The Epilepsy Foundation recently enhanced its Law Enforcement-Informed Training for Recognizing and Responding to Seizures (with support from Eisai) to help public safety professionals better understand epilepsy and increase their knowledge about seizures. The goal is to protect the health and safety of those living with epilepsy, especially when they may not be able to respond to a law enforcement officer’s request. The course was designed for, and with, law enforcement, public safety, and correctional  officers, as well as law enforcement agency staff members. 

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    A Law Enforcement-Informed Training for Recognizing and Responding to Epilepsy and Seizures

    Course modules include: 

    1. The Value of Epilepsy Education
    2. Epilepsy and Seizures
    3. Types of Seizures and Seizure Triggers
    4. Seizure First Aid and Post Seizure Response
    5. Police Encounters and Response

    By completing the course, participants will be able to:

    • Explain the importance of seizure recognition and training for law enforcement professionals
    • Define seizures and epilepsy
    • Apply responsive first aid techniques for law enforcement when encountering someone having a seizure ensuring prompt and appropriate assistance while maintaining safety
    • Implement best practices for responding to epilepsy and seizures by prioritizing the well-being of individuals with epilepsy during emergencies, medical assistance, or other public safety encounters 

    Training in your Community

    • Only trained instructors of the Law Enforcement-Informed Seizure course may implement the new Seizure Recognition and Response course for law enforcement officers. 
    • To become eligible to teach the Law Enforcement training you must be Seizure First Aid certified. Law enforcement and public safety officers may become instructors of this course.
    • Train-the-trainer sessions are held quarterly. For more details about becoming a certified instructor, contact programs@efa.org.  

    Questions & Answers

      How can I find the training?
      • Currently, trained instructors are in the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Oregon, Ohio, Colorado, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Texas. 
      • Agencies that need to be connected to a trainer in one of these states should contact the EF Training Program Manager. 
      • Agencies outside of these states should direct interest in the training to the national EF Training Program Manager.
      • Email our program manager or call 1-800-332-1000.
      Who can take this course?

      This course is intended for law enforcement and public safety officers, but others who work in these settings may find the information helpful. The course is free and can be embedded into existing training programs.

      Are there any prerequisites to take the course?

      There are no prerequisites to take the course, but we do recommend becoming certified in Seizure First Aid. Learn more at epilepsy.com/firstaid.

      How long does it take to complete the course?

      The course can take about 60-75 minutes to complete.

      Contact Information for Program Inquiries

      To learn more about our programs or to find out if we have a trained instructor in your area, please email our program manager. We’re here to provide the information and support you need.  

      Disclosure

      At the beginning of the course, instructors must disclose any vested interest in products, instruments, devices, or materials that may be used in the learning course. 

      The development and maintenance of this course is partially supported with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award. 

      The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, the CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. The Epilepsy Foundation is solely responsible for this content.

      Eisai logo

      This course was supported by Eisai, a pharmaceutical company, as part of a financial assistance sponsorship to the Epilepsy Foundation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by Eisai.  Eisai’s sponsorship of this course by Eisai will conclude on June 30, 2024. 

      Reviewed By:

      Cheryl Houston

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