Bib advice - Meniere's disease.

Bib advice - Meniere's disease.

Author
Discussion

stackmonkey

Original Poster:

5,077 posts

250 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2008
quotequote all
Following on from a different topic, I'd appreciate some genuine advice on the above.
I have a close relative with Meniere's disease. This causes tinnitus, increasing deafness and nausea attacks in those affected. I am concerned about what could happen to said relative if he had such a nausea attack in a public place, on his own.
To external observers this could appear as though the sufferer is paralytically drunk. Loss of balance, falling over, throwing up, slurring speech etc. This is coupled with over 80% deafness even with a hearing aid. He does carry a medical card in his wallet stating that he does have Meniere's and who to contact..
What would be likely to happen in the case of said relative being reported to Bib as being drunk etc in the street?

Mojocvh

16,837 posts

263 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2008
quotequote all
Forget the card in the wallet, have some more to hand first...

agentzigzag

191 posts

186 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2008
quotequote all
To be honest, if its that bad the police would be calling for an ambulance instead of bringing them in - not worth the risk.

Greendubber

13,221 posts

204 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2008
quotequote all
I've dealt with someone with it before, they didnt smell of alcohol so I knew something was wrong. Quick search for some I/D and a medical card was found. Called an ambo and jobs a good-un.

As long as they're not violent then an officer will try to find I/D on them if they cant talk etc.

Chrispy Porker

16,927 posts

229 months

Wednesday 24th December 2008
quotequote all
AS above.
The last thing the police want to do in such circumstances is drag the victim to a police station.
A card is a good idea.

Derek Smith

45,677 posts

249 months

Wednesday 24th December 2008
quotequote all
There is probably a Meniere's disease association. Ask them for advice on the best way of dealing with the problem of collapse in the street.

As the others have already said on here, it would be a brave PC who'd present someone with the symptoms you describe to a custody officer. And they certainly wouldn't do it twice. Anyone on patrol deals with epilepsy and other fits on a monthly basis so it is not all that unusual.

Davel

8,982 posts

259 months

Wednesday 24th December 2008
quotequote all
A medic-alert type bracelet or necklace is a good idea if he can find one that he likes.

I wear a disc type one when on the bike.

voyds9

8,489 posts

284 months

Wednesday 24th December 2008
quotequote all
Please assure us that they don't drive at the present time.