'EpiPens' to be Required for Md. Schools

[longnecker]

BERLIN, Md.- Gov. Martin O'Malley this week signed Senate Bill 621 into law, which requires Maryland schools to have on hand an emergency supply of "EpiPens" for students with allergies.
Lilliana Franklin of Berlin had an allergic reaction to peanut butter in school last year and she said the school nurse did not know how to administer the shot. Her mother, Marianne, said the law being passed will force staff members to be educated on how to use the pens.
"Now we're getting educated. Now all the staff, all the people who are with our child six hours a day will know how to keep her safe," she said.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation estimates 50 million Americans have allergies. Of that number, approximately 6 percent suffer from food allergies. The AAF said food allergies are more common in children.
http://www.wboc.com/story/18599357/e...ryland-schools

[terri]

WTF?

How in the hell did a school *nurse* not know how to administer an epi pen?

*I* had to learn how to do it in a basic first aid class. It's not that difficult.

[Kid Lester]

Good. Now maybe people can stop expecting the entire faculty and student body of a school to live in fear of being exposed to a peanut.

[longnecker]

WTF?

How in the hell did a school *nurse* not know how to administer an epi pen?

*I* had to learn how to do it in a basic first aid class. It's not that difficult.

How did this person get a job as a Nurse?

[Crabby]

I could show anyone how to use an Epipen in less than a minute. It's often called an auto injector because it sticks in the upper thigh automatically when it is pushed firmly against the skin.The simple directions are in the box with the syringe! Yes, it hurts a bit, but when the airway is swelling and one can't breathe, it's a very good pain indeed!

[childOfLacroix]

WTF?

How in the hell did a school *nurse* not know how to administer an epi pen?

*I* had to learn how to do it in a basic first aid class. It's not that difficult.

That was my first thought as well. How the HELL do you get out of nursing school without learning something so simple and basic?

[Crabby]

I remember back when nurses weren't taught CPR in nursing school either. We, the EMTs, would teach them. Perhaps EpiPens are the same way? I've taught lots of preschool teachers to use them and some camp counselors too.It really is no big deal. Just read all the directions before use. Unless some one wants the particulars, I won't put the details on here.