Injection of epinephrine can save a child's life
Many children have a specific allergy - anaphylaxis - which occurs when, for example, they are stung by a bee or they eat a peanut. In such a case, an injection of epinephrine can save their life.
It seems to me that Kansas should have a law that allows schools to keep epinephrine injectors available in case of an emergency, as does Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland and, potentially, Ohio.
This article in today's New York Times explains much more about this particular allergy, anaphylaxis.:
I have known a child who had such an allergy. And I, like most people I know, don't know why children's allergies are increasing today, although there are many potential causes.
As Maria L. Acebal, the chief executive of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network explains in the article, "When a child is having an anaphylactic reaction, the only thing that can save her life is epinephrine. 911 doesn't get there fast enough."
Is this also true for adults?
I would hope that several Lawrence doctors could clarify this information for me (and surely many others) who are concerned. What should Kansas do about this?
It might also be wise for every parent (and for that matter, every person) to take an e-mail first aid course, such as the following:
There might be other courses which are better. I realize, now, that I have never taken a first aid course since the Army, which is years ago. I would hope to hear from other people suggesting e-mail first aid courses which they have taken.
Perhaps a doctor or nurse could evaluate such email courses, and make some good suggestions.