In a case where a 14-year-old patient is not alert between seizures, what is the recommended next action?

• A. Initiate a 12-D-3 response, provide all appropriate PDIs, and then return to questioning.
• B. Initiate a 7-E-1 response, provide all PDIs, and then return to questioning.
• C. Initiate a 12-D-2 response, provide all appropriate PDIs, and then return to questioning.
• D. Initiate a 12-D-1 response, provide all PDIs, and return to questioning.

Answer: (C)

When a pediatric patient is not alert between seizures, the dispatcher should elevate the response to a seizure protocol that accounts for altered consciousness and ensure the caller is given clear post-dispatch instructions, then continue gathering information. The 12-D-2 designation fits this scenario because it represents a seizure with decreased or altered mental status between events. Initiating that level of response ensures appropriate prioritization and guidance for safety while EMS is en route. After starting the correct response, provide all post-dispatch instructions to the caller so they know how to monitor the child, protect their airway, and keep them safe, then return to questioning to obtain essential details such as onset time, last normal, how the seizure manifested, any injuries, medications, and relevant medical history. The other options do not match the need for both altered consciousness and the corresponding level of dispatch guidance, so they’re not appropriate for this situation.