DEAR DEIDRE: MY friend has epilepsy and I am worried about travelling with him to a party.
The journey will take a couple of hours by train and I’m petrified he may get ill when we’re on our own.
We have been invited to another friend’s 25th birthday and are staying the night with other friends.
I am 24 and my friend is 23. We have been friends for five years.
I have talked to his parents and they have tried to reassure me, but still I can’t relax.
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I worry about what will happen if he has a seizure.
I don’t have any first-aid training and worry I won’t cope if he does have a fit.
If he does get ill, should I alert a fellow passenger, or a member of staff, or call an ambulance to be there at the next stop?
I’m on edge thinking about this to a point where I’m wondering if I should be going at all.
I want us to enjoy our night away but I am really worried about how to cope with this situation.
DEIDRE SAYS: It is understandable you are concerned – seeing someone having a seizure can be scary, but knowing what to do can help you feel prepared and less likely to panic if you witness one.
Ask your friend for his advice and have a look at epilepsy.org.uk, which has plenty of resources.
If you have time, consider attending a first-aid course to give you confidence.
You can find out about courses through redcross.org.uk (0344 871 8000).
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