Re: [Philmont]: Peanuts, EpiPens, and Anaphylaxis

I just want to reiterate the need to practice using an epi-pen before it is
needed. I had an epi-pen prescription. Due to an error, I was given an
overdose of an allergy shot in a rural camp, and had an anaphylactic
reaction (we realized the mistake right away, and waited to see what would
happen). I was 17, and hadnt really used my epi-pen before. Im not sure
of the reasoning, but I was told I had to administer it to myself. It took
me a few minutes to figure out how to use itno doubt exacerbated by the
reaction and fear. If my reaction had been worse, those few minutes would
have made a huge difference. This was a huge lesson for me! Practice with
an epi-pen before you have to use itthe time it takes to read instructions
and figure it out could mean the difference between life and death.
-Nancy Coleman Stickelman
p.s. You should double check, but I believe that each backcountry camp also
has epinephrine in their first aid kit. This shouldnt replace your
preparations, but can be good to know.

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Received on Thu Dec 1 23:43:08 2005