Texas EMS pushes for phone instruction standards for allergic reaction

By Tony Plohetski
The American-Statesman

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AUSTIN, Texas — On the day she dialed 911 in November, the caller knew from a previous near-fatal experience that her 80-year-old husband was probably having a severe allergic reaction and needed an urgent dose of a potentially life-saving drug.

She told the dispatcher, a trained paramedic, that she had a shot of epinephrine at hand but wasn't sure how to give it.

Under Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services rules, the dispatcher wasn't supposed to tell her.

Full Story: EMS could be held liable if the drug is given incorrectly or if a condition is misdiagnosed