Diabetic Coma Gets Man Tased
First of all, I have to confess that I do not wear my med-alert bracelet 24/7. After seeing this story on Fox News, its at least going to be attached to my key-ring and I may get a huge window cling that says “DIABETIC ON BOARD”. (Not replacing my Rush Babe on Board though).
Caught On Tape: Cops Taser Man In Diabetic Shock
EL RENO, Okla. (CBS) ― An Oklahoma driver ended up on the wrong side of a police taser because a medical condition left him helpless.
El Reno police officers approached a vehicle that had spun-out on the interstate. Inside was a man who they thought was drunk or on drugs.
The man was wrestled out of his truck on Interstate 40 because he wasn’t cooperating with police. Moments later police tazed the man.
After several attempts officers were finally able to get the combative man into custody. What they don’t realize is the 53-year-old wasn’t drunk or on drugs. He’s was in severe diabetic shock. In fact, his blood sugar level at the time was 11.
Experts say a person suffering from diabetic shock will often show signs or symptoms closely related to somebody who’s intoxicated. That can include confusion, aggression, shaking, sweating and disorientation.
Tasers are a good thing in certain situations, but with a blood sugar of 11, I doubt this man was going to be able to do anything but flay his arms around and curse at them. Also, the med-alert necklace was not easily seen by the officers under his shirt.
I think maybe the bracelets are better and should be worn on the left arm of the driver to be more accessible to the police officer’s eyes. Just a thought.
1Kathleen Weaver
wrote on 12 December 2008 at 16:22
Maybe a small sticker on the driver’s side window?
Kathleen Weaver´s last blog post … 2nd Medically Supervised Diet Appointment
2Karen
wrote on 12 December 2008 at 21:15
I saw this report on the news. I bet it happens more than we think.
Karen´s last blog post … The 10 Big Lies About America
3Jo
wrote on 13 December 2008 at 7:10
I found one car window cling but it says Diabetic Passenger. I need one that says “Diabetic Driver” …
4Leslie
wrote on 15 December 2008 at 11:57
I wear a Medic-Alert bracelet every time I leave home. It’s always laying right with my watch and I always wear a watch during the day. It’s not a fashionable bracelet but at my age (47) I don’t care about being fashionable. For a while I felt a little funny wearing it, like everyone was noticing, but now, I don’t leave home without it. Careful, one day they may want us to tattoo DIABETIC to our left wrist (or forehead!) if we’re not watchful! I’d have to say no to that one. Oh, wait, I just thought of something, won’t be a tat, it’ll be a microchip.