We have an local allergist who prescribes a lot of Epi-pens. These are the self-administered epinephrine shots that a person can take if they have a serious allergic reaction. Now, some may think he is paranoid, or that maybe the owners of Epi-pen are making his car payments. However, I for one am appreciative. I saw a patient who came in after developing an allergic reaction while on a hike. He was stung by a bee, and had a history of serious allergic reactions to bee stings in the past. He immediately developed hives, trouble breathing and throat swelling. He realized that he didn’t have his Epi-pen with him, and that he was going to be in trouble. He was out of cell phone range, and nowhere near his car, or medical help. He felt that he was going to lose consciousness soon. Luckily for him, there were some other hikers nearby, and one of them had an Epi-pen of their own. They immediately gave him a shot, and I believe, saved his life. I berated this man mercilessly for not having his own Epi-pen with him when he was out in the wilderness, and he accepted the criticism willingly. I prescribe quite a few of these nowadays as well.Epi-pens
We have an local allergist who prescribes a lot of Epi-pens. These are the self-administered epinephrine shots that a person can take if they have a serious allergic reaction. Now, some may think he is paranoid, or that maybe the owners of Epi-pen are making his car payments. However, I for one am appreciative. I saw a patient who came in after developing an allergic reaction while on a hike. He was stung by a bee, and had a history of serious allergic reactions to bee stings in the past. He immediately developed hives, trouble breathing and throat swelling. He realized that he didn’t have his Epi-pen with him, and that he was going to be in trouble. He was out of cell phone range, and nowhere near his car, or medical help. He felt that he was going to lose consciousness soon. Luckily for him, there were some other hikers nearby, and one of them had an Epi-pen of their own. They immediately gave him a shot, and I believe, saved his life. I berated this man mercilessly for not having his own Epi-pen with him when he was out in the wilderness, and he accepted the criticism willingly. I prescribe quite a few of these nowadays as well.
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It’s interesting article, I like it !
They are most definately life saver-no doubt! (said the non-active little emt-b!)
Ditto to TB’s comment. I am an EMT-B that volunteers w/ a group that works events (often w/ lots of allergens) so the value of epi-pens has been drilled into us. I also know several medics who carry their own and swear by them even if they have never used them.