Over 10 years now, Justine Ball has become familiar with the stress of experiencing a seizure in public. Last Monday, it started out as a feeling of wooziness in Shepparton’s Kmart, one she tried to brush off as she went about a busy day. Days after undergoing surgery, she rushed from appointment to appointment, making a stop for shopping on the way when her dizziness developed into a full-blown seizure.
Justine explained that these medical episodes can seriously affect her memory, and that she can hardly recall what happened after that point. “All I remember is walking around the corner and then I just hit the deck.”
In the time she was out, Justine experienced at least six consecutive seizures. While this happened, Kmart staff members took over, blocking off the aisle and ensuring Justine had privacy. Four staff members, including one whose own loved one suffers epilepsy, had the knowledge to kick into action.
They rolled Justine onto her side (the recovery position) as she recovered from her seizures. Three stayed nearby, speaking to her and assuring her she was safe, with another moving customers away to give her privacy.
“The staff were absolutely amazing…it was like they trained for this,” said Justine. She spoke highly of the kindness and professionalism the team had shown during the incident. She explained that beyond the physical risk of having a medical episode in public, it can be a stressful and embarrassing process.
“One minute I’m walking, next minute I wake up with a bunch of people around me filming me.”
Having lived in the Shepparton area for over 10 years, Justine is originally from Sydney. Surrounded by good people who understood what assistance she needed in the moment, Justine counts herself lucky. “I might actually go buy a lotto ticket, because I’ve been very lucky recently,” she said.
“The people in Shepparton are 10 times nicer than in Sydney.”
“I’ve had seizures in Sydney where I’ve had my bag, and my phone was stolen out of it.”
She emphasised that someone experiencing a seizure should never be moved while it happens, or have anything placed into their mouth, and should be rolled onto their side in the recovery position after a seizure.
Justine shared her story on Facebook, shouting out the lifesaving help she received. Between the kindness of strangers, the support of her neighbours, family and partner, an understanding of how to assist someone suffering a medical episode, and the willingness to step in can make all the difference.
