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

Replying to one of Tom's comments...

Yes, EpiPens and inhalers are prescription items, BUT you CAN ask your
doctor to write a prescription with a sufficient amount of medication
dispensed to cover the requirement of having multiple "extra" units on hand.
Doctors will honor this request. Your insurance might not pay for the
extras, but you can pay for them yourself. This is what I do. Do not go
into any long term backcountry situation without enough meds on hand.

Shane Hoffman, R.Ph.
Advisor Crew 445 - www.crew445.org - SHoffman@crew445.org
ASM Troop 445 - www.troop445.org - SHoffman@troop445.org
"We should all realize that every right implies a responsibility, every
opportunity an obligation, every position a duty, and that the most
effective sermon is expressed in deeds instead of words." ~ Waite Phillips

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Lindtveit" <n2sa@bestweb.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of list philmont" <philmont@troop47.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Peanuts, EpiPens, and Anaphylaxis

> I've been wanting to reply to this all week, but couldn't get 15 minutes
> of spare time. This is a very important subject for advisors including
> the subject of inhalers. I'll just throw in some additional
> points/thoughts:
> 1)Epipens and inhalers are prescription drugs. You cannot just "bring a
> few extras". Every state has different laws on these meds. Be familiar
> with your local laws and protocols.
> 2) No one who lacks training should be administering medications unless
> the other option is the death of the patient. You NEED to know what you
> are giving, why, and what the effects will be on that particular
> patient, as well as the side effects to be expected.
> 3) Fortunately, this training is not that complicated when you are
> working with specific drugs. In my state of New York, you can be
> certified to administer epi and albuterol with some simple classes. You
> still cannot buy these meds, BUT in the case of Epi, your council can
> buy and stock the pens at camp by filling out and filing a single page
> form with the State Dept. of health. As Scout leaders, your best bet is
> to work with the family closely to make sure prescriptions are current
> and you have adequate quantities. From both a legal AND medical
> standpoint, it is ALWAYS best to administer a drug that has been
> prescribed for that particular patient. Use THEIR stuff and your
> liability decreases while their safety increases.
> 4) If you can't take a good training course like Wilderness first aid,
> then get a good book and STUDY (don't just read) it. A great one is
> "Wilderness First Aid" put out by the National Safety Council and the
> Wilderness Medical Society. It's also a fantastic Scoutmaster's training
> reference. I got my copy on eBay for $3.95, but new it is around $20.00.
> 5) Any decent Wilderness First aid course should have epi trainers
> available. You need to get familiar with this stuff, how it works and
> how to administer it effectively. Being familiar will make you more
> relaxed and able to focus on the proper treatment. You need to
> understand what the symptoms are, and at what point the meds should be
> administered. This is very important. I have an Epi-Scout in my unit,
> and I do the "wait and see" treatment because I know what I am looking
> for and I have detailed information about his allergic history. If you
> are in the backcountry and administer a med when it is not needed you
> may have just fired the only shot you had before it was needed and
> missed the target as well. Knowledge is power. If you can't find a
> course, make friends with someone at your local rescue squad. Informal
> training is better than no training at all, and the squad should have
> training materials available. Tell them what your trek will be like and
> how much access you will have to medical help, they should be able to
> prepare you somewhat if they understand your concerns and needs.
>
> I encourage every Council to sponsor Wilderness First Aid courses. This
> training is invaluable to Scout leaders. Even if you are an EMT,
> Paramedic, CFR, Nurse, or Physician, you should take the course.
> Wilderness protocols are VERY different and more comprehensive than the
> 'street medicine' protocols (stabilize and transport). There were 2
> EMT's in my last Wilderness course who kept saying things like "but I
> can't do that in my scope of practice!" and "they never taught us that
> in my EMT class". 5, 10, or 20 miles from the road, the rules change. If
> you are going to God's Country next summer, you have time to get the
> training now, and have a safe and memorable adventure.
>
> By way of background, I am an active Certified First Responder and have
> the epi and albuterol certifications. I live in a rural area and spend a
> considerable amount of time 'away from the road' and up on the hiking
> trails. I can tell you that my 12 week CFR course did not cover much of
> the material covered in my 2 day WFA course. When I assist people on the
> trail, most of the skills I use are the ones I learned in Wilderness
> First Aid, not from my CFR.
>
> Happy safe Hiking,
> Tom
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: owner-philmont@troop47.com
>> [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Henry Buruel
>> Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 12:29 AM
>> To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
>> Subject: Re: [Philmont]: Peanuts, EpiPens, and Anaphylaxis
>>
>>
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Sat Dec 3 19:42:05 2005