One thing I can count on...

[k0ua]

I'm a high school teacher, and recently became certified to administer Epi-pens. The school now keeps two on hand for emergencies. The training gives me Good Samaritan status, and covers the District as well.

Thats cool.. I am curious what subject/subjects do you teach?

 

[KiotiKowboy]

And ... I am curious ... What does "certified" to use an Epi-Pen mean? Looks like a simple process.

 

[POC]

What does "certified" to use an Epi-Pen mean?

Yes....

 

[300UGUY]

I used to swell up real bad when I was young. Somehow, I am not allergic now. I grew out of it?

 

[Teachu2]

I'm a Business teacher, and teach computer classes. I also run a charter school at night for students who are behind on credits. Our district certifies teachers who volunteer and pass a one-day course on administering Epi-pens under a new Ca Dept of Ed program. Seems they came to the realization that a student suffering an allergic reaction could be helped much more quickly by someone already on scene. In a rare display of common sense, they also trained us on defibrillator use, so that we can help with that, too. It's pretty simple stuff, and I hope to never need it, but it's better to have it and not need it....

 

[Redneck in training]

My father got stung to his tongue by a wasp while eating a soft pear. He drove himself to a hospital and when he got there his tongue was so swollen that he was already choking. He was minutes from dying according to the doctor.
When I was a kid we used disturb wasp nest in ground by sticking a stick in it and then run away. One time me and another guy made one nest buzz and while running away we stopped by another and both got stung many times to our faces. My head was swollen like a water melon and my eyes were just about shut closed but my mother had no mercy and made me go to school so everyone could see what would happen when you do something you shouldn't have done.

 

[Jstpssng]

I'm a Business teacher, and teach computer classes. I also run a charter school at night for students who are behind on credits. Our district certifies teachers who volunteer and pass a one-day course on administering Epi-pens under a new Ca Dept of Ed program. Seems they came to the realization that a student suffering an allergic reaction could be helped much more quickly by someone already on scene. In a rare display of common sense, they also trained us on defibrillator use, so that we can help with that, too. It's pretty simple stuff, and I hope to never need it, but it's better to have it and not need it..../QUOTE]
That's great... My employer requires us to stay first aid and CPR certified, and I was just going on what we've been told. Those defibrillators are getting more common and easier to use.
As you say, I hope I never need it, and we never know how we'll react unless the situation arises... But at least the course gives the basic tools so that we'd know what to do.

 

[Teachu2]

I have some prior experience dealing with medical emergencies, so I'm not hesitant to jump in and take charge. It's nice to have my employer provide training and certification, so I'm not hanging out in the breeze. The new CPR training is almost like New York CPR. (that's where you step over the victim to reach the counter at Starbucks, look down and mutter "BREATHE, or you're gonna DIE!"

 

[Mace Canute]

She's lucky. Bee sting allergies are scary, they can kill an allergic person in no time. You can be fine all of your life, then suddenly become allergic. As I'm sure you know, an up to date first aid kit now includes Benedril. (SP?)
Also, if you have an epi-pen and allow somebody else to use it you can be in deep crap just like providing somebody with any other prescription medicine.

In Canada we can buy an EpiPen without a prescription and as such I wouldn't worry about any trouble arising from administering it to someone suspected of having a severe allergic reaction.

 

[Paddy]

When I was a kid, 14 to 15 years old, I worked for a guy cutting his 10 acres. He like it kept like a golf course. (my first tractor experience on an International Cub lo boy) In any case he had a few old apple trees and every year white face hornets would build giant paper nests. As you can imagine, as you cut you keep passing closer and closer. I got stung once and was determined to end the battle.

I found an old style 1 gal paperboard milk carton, cut out the bottom and filled it with crumpled newspaper. Then duct tapped it on the end of a extension pole, doused in diesel fuel. Early one morning before the hornets were out, I lit it and held it under the nest. They came out in a hurry but as soon as they met the flames, their wings melted and fell harmlessly to the ground. What a pile of ticked off hornets.

Later in the week my boss asked me if I know anything about the large burnt hole shooting straight up the old apple tree in the SW corner. : )