'It was devastating': Epilepsy advocates push for improved seizure response in workplaces
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime, yet advocates say many workplaces still don't know how to respond when someone has a seizure.
A bill moving through the State House, is looking to change that. The proposal would require the South Carolina Department of Public Health to create seizure first aid posters and flyers for state government workplaces. The poster would outline how to safely respond to a seizure and what not to do.
"When you go to an office you usually see something for heart attacks, choking, but you never see things for epilepsy," said Jillian Stover, an epilepsy advocate.
Supporters say the goal is to replace confusion with confidence during medical emergencies. "This protects the employer, employees and lessens the liability there," said Sen. Deon Tedder of Charleston and Dorchester Counties.
For Scarlett Stevenson, the legislation is deeply personal. "It was honestly so overwhelming. It felt like I was in a personal hell," Stevenson said, describing life before receiving her epilepsy diagnosis in 2024.
Since then, she has been intubated three times and hospitalized in the ICU, and was pushed out of her job after having two seizures at work.
"It was devastating," Stevenson said. "I really loved my job. When I was pushed out of my job it just felt like a slap in the face."
During one of her seizures at work, she said someone tried to put something in her mouth, something medical professionals warn should never be done during a seizure.
"I want to see some change and help people respond to seizures," said Stevenson.
Now, Stevenson said she rarely goes anywhere without her service dog, Roxie, who is trained to alert when she’s about to have a seizure.
"I wouldn't change having a service dog for the world. It has given me a sense of independence and freedom that was taken from me," Stevenson said. "I think if it hadn't been for her they wouldn't have found me in the right time," Stevenson added.