Chatham-Kent police, fire and emergency services are all partnering with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario to help first responders better serve the area.
All three groups are working together to increase safety for those affected by epilepsy and seizures.
Michelle Franklin, executive director of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, says getting help from the fire department is crucial to the well being of her clients.
"The ability to have firefighters come and do a CHIRP assessment in the house will help people ensure they have a safety plan and an escape route should they have a seizure," she says.
Epilepsy affects about one in 100 people in Ontario.
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month.
Franklin says they're also hoping to add people living with epilepsy to a vulnerable persons registry, which will help emergency services personnel know how to respond during a crisis situation.
Franklin hopes the partnership will encourage an individual living with epilepsy to submit their vital information to the registry.
She says "if people realize it's about them and their safety and the safety of others, I think it's essential."
