Mum’s appeal for training on nut allergy lifesaving

Mum’s appeal for training on nut allergy lifesaving

18 February 2015

AN appeal has been issued for adults in charge of children across the district who suffer from a nut allergy to be trained how to use a simple lifesaving device.

Downpatrick mother Roisin McKenna wants education officials, those in charge of sports, community and youth organisations and Down Council staff to know how to use so-called EpiPens.

The small pen like cylinder is used to administer lifesaving treatment to people who suffer an anaphylactic shock which is a particularly severe form of allergic reaction which can be fatal.

Mrs. McKenna’s eight year-old son Thomas suffers from a nut allergy and carries an EpiPen with him at all times. When pressed against his body, the device shoots out a small needle and injects medicine which ensures he continues to breathe.

His mother said a nut allergy can trigger an anaphylactic shock within seconds and wants more people trained on what to do to help those who get into difficulty.

“It takes just 10 seconds to administer the medicine in the EpiPen and just 10 minutes to learn how to use the device,” Roisin explained. “Many people in charge of young people are not trained how to use this lifesaving device and it is an issue which needs to be addressed.”

The Downpatrick mother is also keen to launch a new support group for other parents whose children suffer from allergies so they can raise the profile of the condition and ensure people are trained to use the EpiPen.

“Knowledge of how to use this device can mean the difference between someone living or dying,” she continued. “The EpiPen is designed to be self-administrable, but if the scale of the anaphylactic shock is severe, the person struggling to breathe needs help. That’s why training is so essential.”

Mrs. McKenna believes everyone responsible for children who suffer from allergies must know how to use the EpiPen and hopes statutory organisations will agree to organise training programmes. She hopes that by going public with her concern, it will spark a positive response.

The Downpatrick mother believes a new parents’ support group could play an important role in raising allergy awareness and what to do help those who suffer an acute reaction and is keen to see one launched.

Mrs. McKenna’s call for those in charge of children to be trained how to use the lifesaving device is being backed by Downpatrick councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, who revealed some Down Council staff and several youth workers are trained how to use EpiPens. But he said many others are not.

“The training programme takes just 10 minutes and is very simple and straightforward. More needs to be done to promote training across the district and is an issue the new Newry, Mourne and Down Council needs to take on board,” he continued.

“When a person goes into anaphylactic shocks seconds count and it’s vital they get urgent medical help. The EpiPen is a simple medical device which saves lives. It’s important organisations responsible for young people take a lead on the training issue.”

He added: “I hope that by raising the importance of people being trained to help those who suffer allergic reactions, it will allow young people to fully engage in summer schemes and a range of other activities as those responsible for them will know what to do if something goes wrong.”

Parents of children who suffer from a nut allergy interested in joining a new support group can contact Roisin on 07858 827658.