We’ve encountered this situation at our institution a fair amount with researchers and classes that go into the field. In response, this is what was added to our Field Safety Manual after reviewing state-specific requirements for Washington:

Epinephrine requires a medical prescription. Individuals with known allergies may carry their

own epinephrine auto-injector, typically in a two-pack. Washington state law does allow individuals to

administer an epinephrine auto-injector to anyone who they believe is experiencing anaphylaxis,

regardless of whether the individual has a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector or has

previously been diagnosed with an allergy. The person administering the auto-injector must complete

an anaphylaxis training program prior to providing or administering an epinephrine auto-injector made

available by an authorized entity. The training must be conducted by a nationally recognized

organization experienced in training laypersons in emergency health treatment or an entity or

individual approved by the department of health. Field operations that include known potential

exposures to anaphylaxis triggers (such as those working with stinging insects) may wish to consult

with EH&S to procure a general-use epinephrine autoinjector and incorporate it into their first aid

planning by contacting the UW Employee Health Center. In all situations when an epinephrine auto-

injector is administered, the patient must immediately be taken to an emergency room for medical

evaluation.

ALEX HAGEN, CCHO

Laboratory Safety Manager, Chemical Hygiene Officer

Environmental Health & Safety Department

Research Safety, Laboratory Safety Program

fischera**At_Symbol_Here**uw.edu / www.ehs.washington.edu

Good afternoon,

Our faculty have asked quite a bit about what to do when they are out in the field, far from medical care and out of cell service, and need an Epi Pen for a student or faculty member who gets stung by a bee and has an unknown allergy?

Has anyone encountered a similar scenario or have any ideas?  Last year we had a student who stepped on a hornet nest and was stung many times and had an unknown allergy, so we are trying to plan ahead for any future issues.  

We do have Benadryl in the field first aid kits, but this could be a very dangerous situation.  

Thank you,

Shannon

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org