A second life for an epileptic

Life for an epileptic is always a struggle. For Susan Canon, it means living each day in uncertainty as she never knew when she would have an attack. However, with the support and love of her family, she never considers her delicate condition as an obstacle to enjoying life.

Susan’s family made sure that she can do things freely like most people and she had proven many times that she could handle herself well provided her medicines were handy.

However, at around 8:15 a.m. of May 27, 2001, Susan, who was then 24 years old, had a severe epileptic attack. The seizure was so severe, she inadvertently swallowed five tablets of Tegretol, instead of just one and immediately fell to the floor unconscious.

Fortunately, her brother, Fire Officer 1 Joseph Canon, was around and he immediately called 117 for assistance. The 117 operator relayed the information right away to EARnet and Chief Inspector Joseph Bacareza, who promptly dispatched his emergency medical service (EMS) team to the Canons residence on Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.

Though Susan’s brother thought she was dead, the EMS team insisted on examining the patient and making a quick assessment of her condition. Experience has taught them that a death pronouncement is not conclusive until an examination of the vital signs of the patient is done.

"Susan Canon accidentally took 1000 mg. of Tegretol instead of only 200 mg.," explained Bacareza. "During examination, the EMS team saw that her pupil was still reacting but her pulse was hardly palpable."

Without further delay, the EMS team rushed Susan to the East Avenue Medical Center for further treatment. Enroute to the hospital, Susan suffered another seizure, prompting the EMS team to put pads inside her mouth. That held the patient until they reached the hospital.

"If not for FO1 Canon’s timely call to 117 and the prompt response of our EMS team, we would not have saved Susan," Bacareza said. "It is always necessary to have presence of mind during emergency so we can avoid loss of life."

Susan Canon is now more cautious in dealing with her illness. After all, it was her second lease in life.