( Ivanhoe Newswire) – When it comes to life and death situations, paramedics are trained to act fast and respond with minimal error. But a new study shows in some cases, a delay in using certain drugs is putting patients at risk. 

 

Food allergy is a growing public health concern. As many as 15 million people have food allergies. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction. Because it develops fast, often within minutes, and it’s a life-threatening condition, it requires immediate emergency care, usually with Epinephrine, a first line of treatment for the disease. But a new study shows that’s not always the case for paramedics.

 

The study looked at 92 paramedic run sheets.  Forty were allergic reactions and 52 were anaphylaxis. It found only 15 percent of those experiencing the deadly reaction receive Epinephrine from paramedics.

 

“Paramedic education on the indications and use of epinephrine for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis needs to be implemented," study author  Nabil El Sanadi, M.D., chief medical officer of emergency medicine at Broward Health was quoted as saying.

 

Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting

 

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