EpiPens should be every defibrillator’s next-door neighbour – Ní Chuilinn

EpiPens should be available in public spaces across the country alongside defibrillators, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn spoke in the Seanad recently about the challenges faced by nut allergy sufferers and highlighted a practical solution to decrease the risk of illness, and even death.

“Almost 30% of people in Ireland suffer from allergy issues but half of those are dealing with complex, severe cases requiring specialist care.

“For people who suffer with severe allergies, the threat of an allergic reaction is ever-present.  In most cases a shot of adrenaline – using an EpiPen – is needed immediately, but this is not always straightforward, particularly for children.

“While EpiPens are prescribed medication, there are exceptions for emergency situations, to allow trained individuals to administer it without a prescription in specific circumstances.

“We need to explore how EpiPens could be made available in public spaces, as we’ve seen with the roll-out of defibrillators in schools and sports clubs.

“Parents live in constant fear that their child’s EpiPen may not work as they need to be stored in a cool place away from sunlight, which makes summer camps and sports a particular challenge for those with severe allergies.

“EpiPen kits could be every defibrillator’s next-door neighbour. These kits can provide safely stored and well maintained EpiPens, along with instructions and training given to staff and volunteers to ensure that help is on hand in an emergency.”

Senator Ní Chuilinn referred to the success of a scheme in the UK, where anaphylaxis kits – and the specialist training required – have been rolled out across more than 600 UK schools by way of a subscription service.

“Kits like these could be introduced in schools, sport clubs, restaurants and other public places to ensure that those who suffer from allergies can receive critical care immediately in case of an emergency.” concluded Senator Ní Chuilinn.