A box of bandages just won’t do for a food allergy crisis. Even diligent efforts at allergen avoidance can be thwarted. You never know when a severe food allergy reaction can occur and require emergency response actions. Serious reactions are often unexpected, sudden and require immediate attention. Time is of the essence when there is a risk of an anaphylactic reaction, an extreme, often life-threatening allergic reaction. So like Scouts, its best to “be prepared” with both plans in place and an emergency kit. Following are some suggestions for both.
Plans
- Wear a food allergy awareness bracelet
- Prepare an Emergency Action Plan
- Schedule Calendar alerts for updating allergy-related information and Emergency Kits
Emergency Kit
- Decide where emergency kits are needed: home, school and travel/car
- Store kits in a temperature-controlled area
- Use an easily accessible, durable case that is clearly marked
- Supplies:
- 2 epinephrine auto-injectors, if prescribed
- Oral antihistamines
- Small tube of hydrocortisone ointment (for topical application)
- Fast acting asthma medication (if prescribed)
- A copy of your Emergency Action Plan
- “IF FOUND” info card for the emergency kit to be returned
Supply sources suggestions:
Bracelets- Fashionable food allergy bracelets are available that will suit the needs and style of anyone. Consider your local pharmacy or take a look at these website offerings:
- Food allergy Research and Education (FARE) has an online store with bracelets and other emergency-related supplies
- Allerbling bracelets are both an educational tool and conversation piece
- Medicalert has a variety of choices
What do you keep in your food allergy emergency kit?
-Jody L. Benitz, MS, RDN
