Protecting Children Around the Hive

[Acebird]

jim, I am saying I don't have the know how and my solution is to not let youngsters near my hives.  I remember as a kid that there was a procedure for saving a choking victim by shoving a Bic pen or sharp object through the esophagus.  I doubt if I could do that either.

[KeyLargoBees]

They make Jr Epi pens for children with smaller doses if a child is involved or expected to be involved it would be prudent to have one of those on hand.

I have watched someone slide into anaphylactic shock and stop breathing during my career as a dive boat captain...was early on and I didn't carry a pen on the boat yet. ...Had to rely on my slow ass boat to get them back to the dock or rendezvous with a law enforcement vessel which never happened. By pure chance I had an emergency room nurse on board as a customer so she and my divemaster performed CPR on the patient while I raced the clock back to a waiting ambulance....the diver survived.... But  I vowed to always carry a pen after that and over the course of 12 years used it twice  with good results.

Its a personal choice but i have one at the house and carry one with me when I visit my outyards...

[bwallace23350]

So has anyone here actually gone into anaphylatic shock?

[Dallasbeek]

Not me, but you'll hear from members who are in treatment to build their immunity.  And yet they are still keeping bees.  Like somebody said, it's an addiction.

[KeyLargoBees]

There is an aussie who posts on the down-under board that had a close call.....but none of the US members that I can think of.

[Dallasbeek]

That's probably who I had in mind, Jeff

[Wombat2]

Here in Australia Epipens can only be prescribed by a Doctor and only then when a Specialist has confirmed diagnosis, post hospital ER admission or established prophylaxis after an anaphylactic episode.

In other words if you need you are allowed to get it - if not needed then you can't get it. - No mishaps that way.

Way back in another life time when I did my Pharmacy Training we did a practical on the effectiveness of stopping an allergic reaction. - best treatment was to apply an anti-histamine cream immediately (which are no longer available for sale in Australia - so I make my own) and take an oral anti-histamine within 30 minutes. Stops swelling and itch and soreness very well (might help - but not stop anaphylactic reaction still get medical attention) Also the sedating antihistamines are way more effective at stopping itch than non-sedating as the anti pyritic effect is linked to the sedation pathway.

[Lancej]

Down south a bit more in Australia, Victoria you can buy epipens over the counter but without a prescription you have to pay full price. I carry ampoule's and syringes in all our cars due to the reaction I had years ago. Also have a mother in law who is highly allergic to jumping jacks, her reaction is that bad she cant breathe within minutes.

[Wombat2]

Down south a bit more in Australia, Victoria you can buy epipens over the counter but without a prescription you have to pay full price. I carry ampoule's and syringes in all our cars due to the reaction I had years ago. Also have a mother in law who is highly allergic to jumping jacks, her reaction is that bad she cant breathe within minutes.

Lance - they are $38.30 for General and $6.80 for pension on the NHS - $100 plus privately/OTC

[Lancej]

I think the last one I got prescribed by a Doctor was around $70 years ago, a pack of 8 or 6 ? ampoule's $12 (OTC) and as I leave them in the car I replace them every 6 to 12 months.

[jtcmedic]

Hi all
First let me start out , this is not intended for medical care nor am I a doctor.
There you have been warned.
Epi pens are used in severe restrictions to allergic reaction. It includes swelling  of throat and shortness of breath. I work in healthcare and have used it many times. It should only be used on a person that is prescribed for. I went and got a set for when my hive because you  never know. I went to my doctor and got a script and used this link https://www.activatethecard.com/epipen/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=epi%20pen%20free_exact&utm_content=epipen%20cost&utm_campaign=epipen%202015%20-%20branded&gclid=CKiBttmXwMwCFYhTgQod55gC3g&gclsrc=ds and it was free. I hope this helps
Stay safe
Jeff