Outdoor Adventure USA

Justhikingthoughlife wrote:Dilemma

So…you are out hiking with a bunch of people and someone gets stung by a bee. Within moments the person is having trouble breathing and other symptoms of anaphylactic shock are evident (I wasn’t actually trying to be poetic here I simply forget the other symptoms) As everyone turns to the victim asking where they keep their EpiPen the person looks at them with eyes wide with panic and says “I don’t carry one, I’ve never been stung before…I didn’t know I was allergic!” (Oh crap) what do you do? At a minimum, carry an OTC medication like Benadryl. Benadryl is always in my kit and I always carry at least one epipen (and most times I have two). I have checked with my physician friends and they advise me that the epipen should be used in conjunction with benadryl. The epipen gives immediate relief and the benadryl gives more long lasting relief, but takes some time to work. There are, OF CCOURSE, certain instances where the epipen should not be administered and before you get one, you must be familiar with these precautions. Also, be aware that the epipen is sensitive to heat and needs to be replaced when it expires.

My question is something the officers (those who are already certified that is) have been talking about for a while. While WFR’s are trained to use EpiPens can they actually legally obtain and carry them in case of extreme emergency? Depends on if your doctor believes that you are in need of such a device. The medical opinion of the doctor controls.

We are in the process of reorganizing, regrouping and re-buying things for the clubs first aid kit. Now, the club hasn’t had one in years (and I mean years!) because anyone who comes with us comes at their own risk we are not held responsible for anyone as noone is technically a ‘guide’ and we are all ‘peer’ hikers. Because of this we aren’t required to have anything for anyone (so tough luck!) however since the majority are WFR a first aid kit has been deemed a necessity…after all peers or not if someone gets hurt the person with the most medical training would naturally step in and to protect their own interests they would rather have a first aid kit. Our logic was it’s one thing for someone who knows they are allergic to bees to bring an EpiPen and have someone (who knows how obviously) use it in the event that they can’t. But can we carry epinephrine in the kit in the event that someone who has never been stung before has a reaction? I think that there are more situations than bee stings that can cause the type of reaction for which the epipen is indicated. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to all type of insect stings, plant reactions, food allergies, and other reactions can all potentially require some form of immediate relief.

There are tons of legal stuff surrounding this I am sure…but anyone know an answer?