Posted: 4/18/02

Senate bill would require ambulances to carry allergy drug

by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Donna Gibbons of Apple Valley recalled how her son Patrickís entire body became red ó one big hive, she said ó after he had eaten a pancake containing wheat.

In the throes of anaphylaxis, or a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, Patrick recovered quickly after receiving epinephrine, drug used to counter the symptoms of allergic reactions.

In Massachusetts, the Gibbonsí former home state, epinephrine is commonly carried in ambulances, she explained.

But in Minnesota carrying epinephrine in ambulances is voluntary, and only 62 percent of basic service ambulances ó mostly found in rural Minnesota ó carry epinephrine, according to the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota.

Some 14,253 runs are made each year in the state in ambulances not stocked with the drug.

Allergic reactions can be fatal. Some 800 people a year die from severe reactions in the United States.

Food or inset allergies

Patrickís allergic reaction came from wheat, but people can be allergic to an entire menu: peanut butter, eggs and milk. Others may be allergic insect bites, suffering life threatening allergic reaction symptoms such as a loss of blood pressure, shock, throat constrictions and choking, once bitten.

A study by the Mayo Clinic indicates that about two-thirds of anaphylaxis cases are first-time episodes for the patient. About 1,500 Minnesotans will suffer anaphylaxis on any given year, according to the association.

Thatís one reason why itís important epinephrine be carried in ambulances, said Nona Narvaez, of the association. Many people are not prepared to counter the often sudden symptoms of anaphylaxis when they occur, she explained.

The voluntary approach to carrying epinephrine is not working, she explained.

Ambulances would carry the drug

A Senate bill (SF 3359) has a provision that would require ambulances to carry epinephrine and have EMTs trained in its use.

The association hopes the provision be placed in the omnibus bill in conference committee and eventually become law.

Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL, St. Paul, said opposition to the provision seems based on a general belief that mandates should be avoided ó a silly argument, she said.

ìItís a matter of life and death for children,î she said.

The drug is not expensive, explained association members. And if the drug is mistakenly administered, the effects are not severe.

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