A group of interested parents, caregivers and community members gathered at Chelsea Piers on Wednesday, November 14 to learn more about allergies and what to do when faced with a severe allergic reaction. The session, presented by Stamford EMS, Safety4Kids, Stamford Hospital and Chelsea Piers, provided life-saving information and a demonstration of administering an epinephrine injection.
Dominic Roca, MD of Stamford Health was the Keynote Speaker, educating attendees about the body’s physiological response to allergens, the ten most common allergic triggers, how allergies develop and how/when to pursue information about allergy testing. Advice, such as the importance of giving an immediate injection of epinephrine in the leg for a count of 10 and then laying the patient down before calling 911, was shared. Audience members practiced administering an epi pen injection with the help of Stamford EMS and volunteer EMTs from Darien’s Post 53.
“There is a lot of fear associated with food allergies,” said Dr. Dominic J. Roca. “Always carry your epi pen with you and give the epi right away when you see an allergic reaction.”
“We’ve seen situations when people have waited too long to give the injection, and then we have to consider putting in a breathing tube,” said Jessica Anderson, Stamford EMS Lieutenant and Academy Training Coordinator.
“There has been a rise in the prevalence of food allergies and it’s important for us all to stay informed,” said Eddie Browne, Assistant Chief, Stamford EMS. “Severe allergic reactions can advance quickly, knowing the signs of anaphylaxis and the steps to take can make all the difference.”
This event was presented in response to inquiries from Chelsea Piers members and is part of a year-long “Safety Step-Up” initiative presented by Stamford EMS and Safety 4Kids. The Safety Step-Up initiative includes a series of FREE safety events, community partnerships, and plenty of safety tips throughout the year to keep ourselves, our neighbors and our families safe.