Tuesday, October 12, 2010

EpiPens in first aid kits?

Well, I haven't seen Epipens in first aid kits yet, but I think it's coming. Chances are good that if you ask around, you'll find that you know someone who is allergic to bees. And chances are also good that they don't carry epinephrine, even when they're engaged in outdoor activities that put them at risk for a bee sting. (I'm not talking about robbing a beehive here, folks, just going out for a hike, or a picnic, or even to the park.) But feeling safe won't protect you from a fatal reaction if you are stung by a bee and help is too far away. Which is why I think that Epipens should be in first aid kits on guided hikes, sleep away camps, and other similar situations.

It seems like others (like the people who get to make these kinds of decisions) are moving closer to the same opinion, based on this report:

http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/183980

In a meeting of the Wilderness Medical Society it was recommended that personnel who are otherwise trained to administer emergency medical treatment should be trained to administer Epipens as well. There may be some legal questions with implementation, so the WMS also recommended that organizations should obtain legal counsel concerning Epipen administration by lay persons in a time of need. Currently, WMS asks that individuals carry their own Epipen, and are supporting the idea of staff being trained to administer it. But in my mind, this is only a couple of steps away from including epinephrine in first aid kits. And that is a good thing.

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