[Trigger Warning]
The Muellers, a family from central Wisconsin, traveled to Madison on Wednesday to meet with lawmakers and advocate for a bill that would mandate epinephrine auto-injector training and availability for all first responders. This effort follows the tragic loss of their son, Andrew, in late 2024 due to an unknown peanut allergy. They are working to ensure that first responders are equipped to handle similar life-threatening emergencies.
When the family called 911 for help for Andrew last November, law enforcement officers were the first on the scene, but they did not have epinephrine. This vital first-line treatment for anaphylaxis was unavailable in the critical moments before paramedics could arrive. Andrew’s father, Mark Mueller, delivered an urgent message to legislators: “We urge you to act now so no parents stand where we are standing today.”
The Muellers believe that equipping and training first responders with this simple tool aligns with their existing life-saving mission. As Mark Mueller stated:
That’s what this legislation can do. It can save lives. Approximately one in 13 children have food allergies. Epinephrine is a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It can save life in seconds, but it’s only effective if it’s available.
Since their son’s death, Andrew’s family has been actively fundraising to purchase and donate auto-injectors to nearly all police officers and sheriff’s deputies in Wood County. This local effort has already demonstrated its life-saving potential. Mark Mueller recounted one success story, sharing, “Not long after, there was a 911 call in Wisconsin Rapids where they were able to administer one of the donated injectors and saved the life of a 28-year-old.”
Working alongside Representative Scott Krug and Senator Patrick Testin, the Muellers are steering the bill through the State Assembly Committee. During the hearing, however, committee members raised practical concerns, particularly about implementation. “My only real concern is how do we fund this, right?” one committee member admitted, citing worries over funding, training, and disposal costs associated with the new mandate.
Despite these financial questions, lawmakers expressed strong support for the legislation’s intent. Senator Testin encapsulated the bill’s importance, stating, “I’d rather have the ability for first responders to have this tool at their disposal and hopefully not need it than need it and not have it.” Representative Krug plans to allow the committee time to review the information and submit amendments, with the goal of moving the bill out of the committee before the end of the year.
Here is a WSAW-TV news report on their efforts:
