SC public school teachers adopt seizure training program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A law that went into effect July 1st said South Carolina public schools must adopt a seizure training program to support students with epilepsy and seizures.

“That training is really essential to having a calm transition, in a very scary – if you’ve never seen a seizure, seizures are very scary. People are very much afraid that something very bad is happening at that moment,” said Sharon Paeth, who is a South Carolina mom and teacher in Irmo.

Paeth’s daughter, Megan, has had several seizures in school.

“People will be more matter of fact about it and less panicked. They will be calm, and that calm is what we all need when things get a little crazy or nervous about. As a parent, you’re as nervous as a teacher,” Paeth said.

Paeth said it’s crucial for Megan’s safety and other students like her to have the comfort that teachers know what to do.

“They talk a lot about, now, how teachers can help students feel confident in a classroom setting. When Megan was little she didn’t have that. We had a lovely community and everybody was very supportive, but people didn’t necessarily feel trained, and that’s what this will do,” Paeth said.

The law states that every school in South Carolina has to offer seizure training to staff. The goal is to make sure everyone knows how to spot a seizure and respond safely.

“This can be lifesaving training and knowing what to do. The statistic of 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy, and if you think about that, that’s about the average class size,” said Karen St. Marie from South Carolina Advocates for Epilepsy.

This bi-partisan bill was passed unanimously in both chambers except for Senate majority leader, Shane Massey. He declined to comment.