New Push by Assembly Members for All First Responders to Carry EpiPens

Mindy Cohn

Assembly members in Albany are pushing for passage of the EpiAct to give all first responders lifesaving EpiPens to have on hand to treat severe allergic reactions.

The EpiAct would potentially put lifesaving devices into the hands of a broader range of first responders while lowering costs simultaneously, making EpiPens even more widely accessible. At the moment, only EMTs and paramedics have regular access to EpiPens. Firefighters and police officers do not. 

"Every member of Rockland Hatzoloh carries two EpiPens with him at all times; one for adults and one for children," Rabbi Yosef C. Golding, Executive Director of Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland, shares with Rockland Daily. "In addition, Hatzoloh paramedics carry advanced intramuscular injection equipment. As EpiPens have a "shelf-life" of only one year, the costs are prohibitive. Anything that will bring the costs down will be welcomed by Hatzoloh."

It is hoped that the bipartisan bill will pass in the  Senate before the end of the year.

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