BLENDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Firefighters are fighting to change a current medical protocol that does not allow some firefighters to carry EpiPens.
WZZM reported an inconsistency in the state regulation that allows paramedics, but also school teachers, to use an EpiPen but not certified medical first responders, which includes most firefighters. Since the story broke, firefighters, paramedics and allergy sufferers around the country are buzzing about the issue.
“It’s sad; if they have departments that only utilize first responders, they should be allowed to carry and use epinephrine,” said Jon Nolan, a paramedic for Seattle and King County Public Health EMS.
Blend Township Fire Chief Kurt Gernaat said the outdated regulation needs to be updated.
“Firefighters are the ones people call when they have a medical emergency, and in some cases of anaphylaxis or allergic reaction, these guys should be the first ones that they train how to use epinephrine or the EpiPens,” Nolan said.
A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman told reporters they are considering updating the protocol, but do not have a specific time frame.