Stock Epi pens in American schools, stockasthma inhalers in England?






There are many schools in the U.S. that stock Epi Pens - just in case. There are students who have NEVER had an allergic reaction, but have their first one at school. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Once anaphylaxis starts, death can happen in as little as 30 minutes. 

We are lucky because our school district stocks Epi Pens at EVERY school in the district. They can be used on anyone - a student, faculty member, even a visitor to the school.

I just read about how schools in England are stocking asthma inhalers - just in case. Most classes have at least 2 students with asthma (this is true in America too.) In England, the article says that:

 "Around 20 school children in England and Wales die every year from asthma, and most deaths occur before the child reaches hospital."

That just breaks my heart. It's my worst fear that one of my kids won't recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack and won't use their inhaler in time. :(

There is an English charity named Asthma UK that pushed for the inhaler rule change. They conducted a study that found that 64% of students couldn't use their inhaler because they either broke it, couldn't find it, forgot to bring it or it was empty. Having a stock rescue inhaler could help save the lives of many students there.

I know the panic of not being able to quickly find my inhaler! And let's face it - kids are kids. Half the time, they can't find their shoes, homework, cell phones, etc. They lose their inhalers too. 

How nice would it be to have a back up asthma inhaler in stock at the school - just in case?

Go England!! Let's get the same thing going here in the U.S.!!

 

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