Family Advisory Network (FAN) Mail!

FAN Mail Celebrates its ONE YEAR Anniversary – And we want your Feedback!

This edition marks one year since we started including a family advocate (FAN) specific content section of the EMSC Pulse. This section was meant to provide helpful tips and discussion about topics important to families and their advocates – and hopefully some fun stuff along the way too! To mark this one year anniversary, we would like to get YOUR feedback. Take a few minutes to complete this, quick survey and let us know what you think!

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month

According the Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more) that were not caused by some known and reversible medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.

• Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages.

• Epilepsy means the same thing as "seizure disorders."
• Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems.
• Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person.
• Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures.

Training and Resources for Emergency Medical Services and Responders

The Epilepsy Foundation offers resources and training to help EMS better understand how to recognize and respond to someone having a seizure. This updated training, Emergency Medical Responders: From Seizure First Aid to Seizure Emergencies, aims to strengthen knowledge of EMS ability to respond to people during different types of seizures and during status epilepticus, a seizure emergency. The 2016 guidelines on treatment of convulsive status epilepticus from the American Epilepsy Society are included in this training.

The course modules include:

• Basics of Epilepsy and Seizures
• Types of Seizures and First Aid
• Treating Epilepsy
• Treating Status Epilepticus

By completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize different types of seizures.
• Implement appropriate first aid for focal and generalized seizures.
• Define cluster seizures and different types of status epilepticus.
• Implement evidence-based guidelines for treatment of convulsive status epilepticus.

How can I find this program?

Find a local Epilepsy Foundation near you or call 1-800-332-1000.

For more information and resources on epilepsy during November follow us on social media!

EIIC Recognizes Caregivers

Caregiving is a full-time job that spans from birth to death. This month the EIIC recognizes all caregivers, those who provide compassionate and loving care to all – regardless of age. Your work often goes unrecognized, but is so very vital to those who depend on you. It is estimated that 65 million Americans are unpaid caregivers – you are not alone! According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the value of unpaid care of these 65 million caregivers is worth over $375 billion each year. So you are valuable. Here are 10 facts that we believe every caregiver should know and remember this month and always:

1. Caregiving is costly.
2. Help is available.
3. Knowledge can make your job easier.
4. You are Americas #1 long-term care provider.
5. You are not alone.
6. You can and should take breaks for yourself.
7. You have limits.
8. You have someone to talk to.
9. You have to care for yourself first.
10. Your work is valuable.

For more information on these tips, plus links to resources click here.