Epinephrine Training Helps Save a Life
No one knows when an anaphylactic emergency could occur. Just ask Judy Valachovic, Agritainment Operations Manager at Wickham Farms in Penfield, New York.
When she went to work one day last fall, she had no idea she would help save a life. But thanks to the farm's participation in an Epi Near You New York training session and subsequent stocking of non-patient-specific epinephrine, she and her co-workers were able to do just that.
A young woman visiting the farm was stung by a bee but did not have her own epinephrine delivery device with her. Before losing consciousness, she showed staff a medical ID card on her phone indicating her severe allergy and other important information.
Thanks to their training, Judy and her colleagues jumped into action, fetching the epinephrine auto-injector and administering the medication. An ambulance arrived shortly thereafter.
“Thank goodness that we had that script and we had an EpiPen on hand,” she said.
The guest was transported to the hospital for observation, and her mother later told the farm that she was stable and being discharged.
Preparing Before an Emergency Happens
Begun as a pumpkin farm and small roadside stand 40 years ago, Wickham Farms has since grown into a popular family destination offering sunflower, apple, and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, train ride, and more.
The family-run farm also has foods such as cider donuts, caramel apples, kettle corn, and other treats, along with seasonal activities. During its busy fall months, thousands of guests visit each weekend.
With bees, food, and other potential allergens present, Judy recognized the importance of being prepared for an allergic emergency. For the last several years, Wickham Farms has participated in an annual Epi Near You New York training session to learn the signs of anaphylaxis and how to administer the lifesaving medication.
“Anything that we can do to prepare ourselves and put ourselves in a good spot is certainly a good thing,” she said.
That preparation extends to keeping stock epinephrine available for anyone who needs it alongside the farm’s automated external defibrillator (AED). Staff also recently underwent Narcan training for opioid overdoses.
Encouraging Others to Get Trained
The experience reinforced for Judy why businesses and community organizations should consider both training employees and keeping non-patient-specific epinephrine available.
Although Wickham Farms staff members are not required to participate in the annual training session, Judy said employees continue to sign up because they recognize its value.
“There’s no reason not to do it,” she said. “There’s always a risk, whether it’s your personal life, whether it’s employment, whether it’s just on the street.”
Wickham Farms plans to continue participating in Epi Near You New York training each year and hopes to encourage even more employees to attend.
“The more knowledge that you have, the more you’ll be able to help someone in a scenario like we had,” she said.
For Allergy Advocates New York, what happened at Wickham Farms demonstrates why expanding access to epinephrine and teaching people how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis are so important. An allergic emergency can happen anywhere. Having epinephrine available—and people who are prepared to use it—can make a lifesaving difference.
If you are a New York-based business, school, or community group interested in hosting an Epi Near You New York training session for your employees or members, please contact us
If you are a New York-licensed physician interested in volunteering just a couple of hours each month as an Epi Near You New York presenter, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us
About the Author
Kristen Stewart is the Communications Manager for Allergy Advocates New York, where she writes about allergies, anaphylaxis, advocacy, and practical resources for individuals, families, and communities.