Stocking Benadryl & Epi

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Stocking Benadryl & Epi Hi, This could have been a very scary situation. At least the mom had an epi-pen with her. She needs to also carry Benadryl. I agree that we can't...
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L. Ruth Clevinger Discussion started by L. Ruth Clevinger 4 years ago

Hi All!

I have a few questions to ask & could use your experience & wisdom.

I'll give the scenario first then ask my questions:

I had a kiddo get ahold of a peanut today during donut time. He has a peanut allergy. His Mom came to us asking if we had any Benadryl. We did not, so Mom left with the kiddo to buy some at the store. Mom did have an epi-pen in the car. Mom did not feel like the kiddo needed the epi-pen at that time. I called Mom to check up on them later & all were doing fine.

I contacted the person in charge of donut time to see if we could just not order donuts with peanuts/tree nuts. They were hesitant citing slippery slope of where do you stop when people ask you to change stuff. I can understand the thought, but I struggle to agree when it's simple & safer. Also, they were concerned b/c we can't say the donuts are allergen free b/c the donut shop wouldn't take those precautions. I agree with that, but still think it would cut down on incidents.

I also don't stock meds in my nurse bag b/c I don't have standing orders to give them & I don't keep my eyes on my bag at all times & consider it a potential safety issue.

So my questions are:

1. Any words of wisdom for dialoguing with the church powers that be on safety issues? When to worry about the special interest slippery slope vs the safety slippery slope?

2. Thoughts on stocking Benadryl & Epi? Has anyone done it successfully?

Thanks in advance!

Ruth

Replies

Joan Appleton In our faith community, we have first aid kits for each department which I have personally inventoried as FCN. The Kids' Kit does stock liquid... Show more 4 years ago

Mary Luecke I have just been contacted by a church member regarding this very issue. After checking with the health care system that supports our FCN ministry... Show more 4 years ago

I have just been contacted by a church member regarding this very issue.  After checking with the health care system that supports our FCN ministry at our church their response - An epi pen is not in the scope & standard of FCN...If it is given without a doctors order it would be open to personal liability against RN license. If given under a standing doctors order or a 911 order in an emergency it likely will be covered under the Good Samaritan law. Keep in mind you need a doctors order to obtain an EPI pen. As FCN's we are educators...I plan to post awareness about folks caring their own EPI pen if they have an allergy and for our VBS program, parents need to disclose any known allergies and if their child has an EPI pen to provide it for the time their child is at VBS, or away from their parents care.  Our church population is a mostly retired population, so the emergency use of an EPI pen has not occurred.  It is better to be proactive (education) than reactive. I would appreciate more response to this topic.  Thank you.

Mary Sophia Hawks Mary, we had this very same conversation in our church. I serve a smaller congregation independently. Due to cut backs, the hospital group we worked... Show more 4 years ago