ASCENSION — A powerful story of courage and compassion unfolded on Airline Highway near Roddy Road, where Aaron Moses, a former law enforcement officer, rushed to help a man in distress. Hunter Shepard, who has epilepsy due to a prior surgery, suffered a seizure while driving. His car, still in motion, narrowly avoided crashing into a gas pump. His story puts a spotlight on Epilepsy awareness.
Moses, witnessing the commotion, jumped into action.
“I approached the light at Airline Highway and Riley Road and noticed the commotion,” he recalled. “An older gentleman was running behind a vehicle trying to bust the window. I noticed the vehicle moving slowly and someone inside in distress.”
Despite struggling to break the window, Moses and others managed to shatter the back glass, allowing him to climb in and assist Shepard.
“He had already clamped down on his tongue, and I only knew what to do by the grace of God,” Moses shared. “My mother used to have seizures, so I knew to secure him and make sure he didn’t swallow his tongue.”
The victim’s family went to social media looking for their hero in the ‘What’s Going on in Ascension Parish’ Facebook group. That’s where Moses and Shepard were reconnected. Moses said the community’s response was overwhelming. Many expressed admiration for Moses’ selflessness, emphasizing the importance of looking out for one another.
“The world has so much darkness going on, I think it’s imperative that the world sees light,” Moses said. “It’s not about credit. When you see somebody fighting for their life, you jump into it.”
Since the incident, that was caught on video, Moses and Shepard have developed a bond, calling each other brothers and planning to meet with their families.
“This was an opportunity to bring awareness to epilepsy and remind people that we are all created by the same Creator,” Moses said.
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It affects 1 in 26 people, with over 60 different types of seizures, including absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and partial seizures.
March 26th marks Purple Day, a global initiative dedicated to epilepsy awareness, founded by Cassidy Megan, a young girl from Canada who has epilepsy. The day aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and advocate for those affected.
What to Do If Someone Has a Seizure
During a seizure, prioritizing safety is key. Follow these steps:
During the Seizure:
- Stay calm and reassure those around you.
- Protect from injury by clearing the area of sharp objects and cushioning the person’s head.
- Turn them on their side to keep the airway clear.
- Loosen tight clothing around their neck.
- Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
- Time the seizure and check for medical identification.
After the Seizure:
- Stay with the person until they regain full awareness.
- Comfort and reassure them, explaining what happened.
- Seek medical attention if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it’s their first seizure, or if they remain disoriented.
This heroic act by Moses sheds light not only on the strength of the human spirit but also on the importance of understanding and assisting those with epilepsy. The quick thinking and selflessness of Moses and others that day turned what could have been a tragedy into a moment of hope and awareness for an entire community.
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