In a heartfelt quest to save lives, a mother who lost her daughter is urging lawmakers to ensure that EpiPens are readily available in public areas and accessible to first responders. Individuals with severe allergies often rely on these emergency epinephrine injectors to combat life-threatening reactions. This mother’s campaign is grounded in the tragic story of her daughter, who suffered an anaphylactic reaction.
The Tragic Story of Sarah Thompson
According to reports, 14-year-old Sarah Thompson was attending a friend’s sleepover when she unexpectedly began to struggle for breath. Despite her mother, an emergency medical technician, bringing Benadryl to the scene, Sarah’s reaction was far worse than anticipated. When her mother arrived, Sarah was unresponsive and in dire need of immediate medical assistance. A responding officer on the scene lacked an EpiPen, leaving them unable to provide the crucial help Sarah needed.
Tragically, Sarah succumbed to brain damage days later due to oxygen deprivation caused by anaphylaxis, a severe immune response to allergens. This condition can lead to symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling, and can even result in death. The timely administration of epinephrine is vital in reversing these symptoms, which is why Thompson is advocating for legislation to ensure EpiPens are stocked in public venues and that first responders are equipped to use them.
“If epinephrine had been available, perhaps Sarah would still be with us,” her mother lamented. The specific allergen that triggered Sarah’s reaction remains unidentified, but her mother reported that she had only mild allergies prior to the incident. On that fateful night, she consumed snacks that she had eaten numerous times without issue.
The Growing Concern of Allergic Reactions
The unpredictability of allergic reactions is a significant concern for parents. As statistics indicate, food allergies among children have surged, with a 50 percent increase from 1997 to 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to severe reactions.
In light of these alarming trends, Thompson is pushing for legislation in Illinois that would empower emergency responders—such as police and firefighters—to carry and administer EpiPens during allergic emergencies. It’s crucial for the public to be aware that first responders often do not have access to epinephrine, an oversight that could be easily rectified and ultimately save lives.
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Conclusion
In summary, a mother’s heart-wrenching experience has sparked a vital campaign to make EpiPens accessible in public spaces and to first responders, aiming to prevent further tragedies caused by unpredictable allergic reactions.