Editor's Note: For a summary of the John Jardine, IV case and similar cases around the country, 12 key points for first responders to reduce the risk of injury or death when treating persons with epilepsy, and background information on epilepsy, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

For the Media:

Epilepsy Foundation, Responding to Troubling Trial Verdict, Repeats its Call for Universal Protocols, Seizure Management Training for First Responders

Landover, Md., December 13, 2005 -- The Epilepsy Foundation today called again for the universal adoption of protocols and training requirements for law enforcement and emergency response teams in response to the troubling verdict in the case of an Arizona State University student with epilepsy who died after emergency medical technicians (EMTs), responding to his seizure, restrained him.

"Unfortunately, first responders all too often employ forcible restraint methods as a means of subduing persons who may appear to be combative, but are actually displaying typical symptoms of a seizure," said Eric Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "Avoidable injuries and deaths will persist unless action is taken to educate and train first responders. In this case, there were no established standards or protocols for EMTs in recognizing and responding to persons experiencing a seizure, and the jury concluded that the EMTs' actions were acceptable."

In the case of the Arizona State University student, EMTs misinterpreted behaviors associated with his seizure as combative, forcibly restrained him after he was handcuffed behind his back and left him in a prone (face-down) position for approximately 20 minutes. Last month, the jury in this case found the EMTs were not responsible for the death of the student, John Jardine, IV. Attorneys representing Jardine's family argued and presented expert testimony that this restraint caused Jardine to die of asphyxiation.

Hargis stated that "This verdict underscores the critical need for first responder agencies to voluntarily adopt sensible protocols and training requirements – which prohibit the use of dangerous restraint practices – to ensure that these caregivers properly identify and manage persons experiencing seizures. One immediate first step first responders can take is to contact their local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates for information and training. If necessary, state legislators and regulators should promptly review existing requirements in this area and take necessary action to ensure appropriate mandatory standards and training."

Epilepsy, defined as chronic seizures, is a common neurological disorder that affects 2.7 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."

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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, so not another moment is lost to seizures.