On Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law allowing police and firefighters to carry and administer stock epinephrine auto-injectors. Epinephrine is the only approved drug that can halt the progression of anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
Prior to this legislation, the list of individuals that could carry and administer epinephrine excluded police and firefighters who often arrive first in emergencies. The list included emergency medical technicians, camp counselors, staff at public and private schools and employees at sports and entertainment venues, amusement parks, restaurants, and daycare facilities.
“Our police officers and firefighters are often the first on the scene when someone dials 911 due to a life-threatening allergic reaction, so it makes imminent sense to enable our highly trained members of law enforcement and firefighters the ability to carry EpiPens and help save lives,” said state Senator James Tedisco.
The legislation will take effect 30 days from the date of signing.
We at SnackSafely.com applaud the enactment of this legislation allowing first responders to carry and administer epinephrine. We firmly believe that epinephrine and individuals trained to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer the drug should be mandatory in all places of public accommodation.
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