driving someone who says they may become unconscious

[Alwaysannoyingsomeonesmomehow]

Situation is an urgent need to relocate someone and their vehicle that they can't drive, their several children and nine animals, (half are bigger ones) and possessions, from where they are now, to where they 'absolutely have to be on x date' on a very low budget.

They insist they cant fly, or split up animals and people.
Not all animals and children are expected to travel well and all will be packed into tight space. (one animal to be drugged with possible breathing side effects)
The journey they need to undertake is a minimum of 9 hours, easily up to 12.

Physical end of driving isn't an issue. (am experienced long term commercial driver and know my stuff and how to do it.)

Adult has various conditions, mainly undiagnosed, but no question that some very serious stuff seems to be happening to them.

Long history of them apparently losing consciousness and then ending up comatose from hours to days. They're saying it's normal and likely to happen at any point on this journey and all fine, the kids are used to them being unconscious (not asleep) for hours on end.

I and another driver were both originally fine to take (and care for) animals and stuff when people were all flying, but then got 'people now must travel in vehicle too' sprung on us.

We think the normalizing of someone being unconscious (and in front of the children) and being expected to say 'oh well' and carry on if that happens, is dangerous, irresponsible, and beyond acceptable.

But as a result, this (much loved) person will now turn to a non commercial driver who they don't know, who says they'll do it, and place everyone's lives in random hands.

Adult is saying being unconscious for all or part of the journey isn't life threatening, it's just how their life is, welcome to the choices they have to make all the time, and we're making too big a deal out of it. The children are all so used to it all etc. However these are the same children who can't be split from their parent,each other, or animals for the journey because of anxiety.

I get it, and bodily autonomy, but it feels like being made to accept the unacceptable because otherwise the situation may get worse.

We're now second guessing ourselves. I think we're NBU, but are we making to much out of it?

I'd stay well out of it if I were you.
If you can't then I would outline the conditions under which you might consider doing this eg more than one vehicle, how you would deal with unconsciousness and say that's the only way you would agree.
I'm guessing it's a drive through Europe so would expect they have comprehensive travel insurance for the whole party.
The person sounds very difficult.

I really don't think you should agree to this - you would be enabling something that sounds hugely dangerous.

Why is it no longer an option for humans to fly?

As a commercial driver you absolutely need to stay away. No taxi drivers would drive anyone under these circumstances - if something happened they could sue you.

Am struggling to make sense of this. If they are unconscious, their airway could become compromised, they could become obstructed and die. Are they actually unconscious? Surely they have to be positioned to protect their airway if they are, how could you do that in a car?

Sounds like uncontrolled diabetes which is definitely not normal!

Vibiano It's not Europe but there is water to be crossed.
Yes they're being very difficult, but in a desperate, resigned, helpless way, rather than demanding.
Was going to be stuff in mine, people animals in theirs with my other (pro) driver, now looking at everything in theirs and a random driver.
Apparently unconsciousness should just be ignored. They wont be able to be put flat or in recovery position either.

Vasya They claim it was never medically on, but reality is they left it late prices have rocketed and it's become outside the money they can scrape together.

Even assuming you actually get to the destination, what if hte adult is comatose at that point? You day this can last for days. Do you just turf all the children and animals out and leave them on the drive, or is there someone responsible at the destination? You could be stuck there for days!

How old are the children?

So - you (and your driver friend) have pulled out and so now they're going ahead but in one car with a 'random' non commercial driver who they don't know. Is that right?

Teddybear There's not an issue over being sued. Apparently diabetes has been ruled out.
Babara this is what I'm thinking to. Before this trip I previously questioned what's meant by unconscious, and been told no, actual unconsciousness. The airway stuff is exactly where I go with all this too, and I'm gobsmacked to be told if it's genuine loss of consciousness that it could be ignored. Huge dissonance over it all.

Don’t do it.

Is it narcolepsy?
It just sounds crazy. Are they ever going to get a diagnosis?

If they are going to go ahead with or without your help and it's going to cause you stress and worry (you said they are much loved) is there anyway you could fund or partially fund proper medical transport for the adult and take kids and animals in your car? Or kids and animals in 2 cars as per plan A?

Seeline there will be a receiving adult. Children are two young/ish, and two teens.
Laiste it's what 'adult' is saying is only option that's left, hence me questioning my first reaction of 'Hell no!'

This person sounds like their life is an absolute car crash. I don’t think I could cope with the drama tbh.

Passthecherrycoke i agree, but when it's a loved one you're between a rock and a hard place. Step back and worry yourself sick or wade in.

OP

This is the weirdest post I've ever read on MN.

No way would I do this. If there is water to be crossed there must be a ferry and I don’t know if they would even let you on with an unconscious person. And rightly so!

Those poor animals. Drugged with possible breathing issues? Who has agreed to prescribe this drug?

What on Earth is going on?

Gawd i forgot about the water to be crossed thing. How is it being crossed OP?

I've got such images in my head right now.
I know it's not funny.

It sounds more like trafficking. What are they running from? It's not surprising the children have anxiety if a parent is regularly unconscious, are they getting effective support?

I've never heard of an illness that makes someone regularly lose consciousness. Fainting is brief, epileptic fits are different. There's something strange in that, but even if it's true then I still wouldn't allow them to not have an ambulance called without a detailed doctor's letter and meeting.

Is this even legal? It all sounds so crazy, I'd stay well away!

Vibiano I think it sounds beyond crazy, but seeing where it's going has made me want to get other people's perspective. I think narcolepsy leaves you out cold asleep but not actually unconscious? They are in fairness trying to get one, part of how they left things so late.

Laiste My stress etc not a deal but I have no money to offer. I'll give what I have to stop the craziness because I'm scared for them, especially the children.
I'm putting in all I have in kind and hours and would have already been part funding 2nd vehicle when it was animals and possessions.

Actually having re read this:

“Long history of them apparently losing consciousness and then ending up comatose from hours to days. They're saying it's normal and likely to happen at any point on this journey and all fine, the kids are used to them being unconscious (not asleep) for hours on end.”

I think they’re making it up OP. Do they have a history of lying? Hypochondria? There are obviously serious lifestyle problems - caused by the persons need to create drama/ attention maybe?

Have you ever witnessed this? Because I don’t see how it’s possible to be unconscious for days (without being in a coma or similar)

sounds illegal and mad and I'd stay out of it.

Also, not your problem but theirs that they left it too late to get cheaper transport.

What country/countries? Is there medical insurance issues?

To be honest if I did it - the minute they became "unconscious" I would take them straight to A and E (but that is the UK where there are no cost implications).