epi pens somewhere in park med stations?

[720L]

Anybody know if they keep EpiPens for bee sting allergies with emergency people in the parks? Are there ER people in the parks? I was stung YEARS ago and had a reaction and was given an EpiPen. I haven't had a reaction since (I have been stung). I can't decide whether to bring my EpiPen or not?

 

[welovedis]

Epipens are a prescription med, so I do not think they would have this on hand. An ambulance crew might, but not a first aid center.

 

[daisyduck123]

If you've got one, then I would bring it. It's a lifesaving medicine...It's not like trying to decide whether or not to lug your camcorder around Disney.

FWIW...it doesn't take up that much room anyway.

 

[720L]

If you've got one, then I would bring it. It's a lifesaving medicine...It's not like trying to decide whether or not to lug your camcorder around Disney.

FWIW...it doesn't take up that much room anyway.

I realize all this! When you have 2 kids the less you bring the better. Since I haven't had a reaction again--I wonder if it was just a freak thing. I was 12 at the time. I am now 33 so you see thats a long time to carry around something that you never use! Wasn't asking for flames btw.

 

[tatooed goofy]

I would bring it. I was stung as a child and never reacted. When I was in college, I was stung and my throat swelled. I was stung at 36 again the second day of school. I had to use the epipen. I was lucky to make it 30 feet to my classroom. I was stung on the neck. I spent the entire morning in the ER with IV's. You never know how your body will react. This could be the time you do. The ER said that below the waist is not as bad as above the waist. Something about the heart and such (I'm not an RN). I would bring it with you. I do. I know how it is packing with two kids and the less the better. But, I would error on the side of caution. You wouldn't want to miss 1/2 the day (like I did). Whatever you decide to do, have a good trip.

 

[pweyl36]

I woundn't rely on some one with my life,ask your dr. for a RX and get it. Would you be asking the same question if it was your child? No,a course not
just put it in your bag, and have a piece of mind.

 

[ducklite]

OP--do you have a current script for an Epi-Pen? Just as an FYI, if your script is not current and your Epi-Pen is expired or isn't labeled with your prescription label, the EMT's and Paramedics can not use it on you. If EMT's respond, they DO NOT carry Epi-Pens or anything but O2. Some paramedics carry epiniphrine, but not all.

I just weighed mine on my little digital kitchen scale, it weighs 2.2 ounces. (OK so I'm bored tonight). For something as lifesaving as an Epi-Pen, I don't think there's really a good reason not to carry one.

There are nurses (can't administer medication), EMT's and Paramedics in the parks, but it can take up to five minutes for them to respond, and that's too long to wait if you are having an anaphylactic reaction. That in itself is a good reason to carry it. It's kind of like life insurance, you hope you never need it, but you're very glad you have it if you do.

Anne

 

[PaulaSue]

OP you should bring it and ALWAYS carry it on you.

 

[720L]

ok ok I'll bring it! Tatooed Goofy your post convinced me! Yikes!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I'm trusting the OP purchases a new Epi-Pen on a frequent basis -- they do expire after a while.

 

[minniemarie]

Definately take one. Anaphylactic reactions tend to get progressively worse as Tatooed Goofy has shown and being able to inject yourself immediately compared to waiting for assistance could be a lifesaver

 

[720L]

Yes I keep it current. I liked it when the kit used to be smaller though.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

My brother was stung as a child and had a severe reaction, and then was stung later and had no reaction. My mom asked the pediatrician and she said most likely he's only allergic to one stinging insect (e.g yellow jackets and not bees, wasps and not yellow jackets etc . . . ). I'd carry the epi pen just in case.

Also, at least around here ambulance do not carry epi pens and can't administer one unless it's prescribed for that specific child. A good friend of mine has a child with life threatening allergies. She was at a basketball game when a child next to her (not hers) went into anaphylactic shock (reaction to red dye in pink lemonade). She recognized the signs and begged the parents to use her daughter's epi pen. They were too scared to do anything but call 911. The paramedics came and agreed that it was anaphylactic shock but were not able to use the epi pen that she again offered. Luckily the child ended up OK.

 

[pigget74]

All the first aid centers can do is give tylenol type products--they really are not certified to do anything else. WHen my son became ill and we went to first aide that is what they told us.

 

[bdklein]

We have Epipen Jr.'s for my daughter (she is 3, with multiple allergies).
Now I am thinking we should have an "regular" Epipen for adults at our house, just in case.
Then I start thinking that we should have both types of Epipens everywhere we go. Never know what can happen.

Any opinions?

 

[momoftriplets]

I have a food allergy. I had 2 reactions within 10 days of each other 12 years ago & nothing since, but still carry the Epi-pen with me. My first reaction was so bad, I freaked out the ER staff when I walked in. It scared me enough not to chance it. I have 2 shots & when I'm on vacation, I carry both with me. DH knows how to give them to me, too. Yes, the shot is not as small as it used to be, but who of us is? Have a great trip!

 

[sassy2]

Hey daisyduck123 I agree with you 100%, my DS16 is not only allergic to insect stings but he is also allergic to peanuts so like the American Express Card " I never leave home without it".


CBR 7/3-7/10

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I don't want to take over your thread OP but, I had been wondering about these things. I didn't know epi pens were prescription. I had kind of thought they would have them onsite. What happens if a baby is stung. You wouldn't know they were allergic and it doesn't sound like you have much time. At least here I am 5 min from hospital what about at WDW?

 

[jenr812]

I don't want to take over your thread OP but, I had been wondering about these things. I didn't know epi pens were prescription. I had kind of thought they would have them onsite. What happens if a baby is stung. You wouldn't know they were allergic and it doesn't sound like you have much time. At least here I am 5 min from hospital what about at WDW?

That is a good question. Definitely sounds like something to bring up with your pediatrician prior to your trip

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

That is a good question. Definitely sounds like something to bring up with your pediatrician prior to your trip

My understanding is that it is very rare for someone to have a life-threatening reaction the first time they're exposed to something. I know in my brother's case his initial reaction to a sting was considered "systemic" but not life threatening. He had swelling all over his body, itching inside his mouth, and hives, but didn't actually go into anaphylactic shock. The doctor told my mom that given how bad his first reaction was it was likely he would go into shock the next time.