Adrenaline injectors for public places?

Friday November 12th 2021

The UK is moving towards placing adrenaline auto-injectors in public places, it has been announced.

There is to be a public consultation and there would need to be legal changes to enable the placement of the devices (AAIs), according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

The move has been supported by the Commission on Human Medicines and follows the trend to put increasingly sophisticated first aid equipment in public places.

Commission chair Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed said: “People with life-threatening allergies have the right to the best possible access to AAIs, as well as their use, in the safest and most effective way. They must be protected and these recommendations are designed to do just that.”

A health minister Lord Kamall said: “Access to adrenaline auto injectors is vital for many people in this country with potentially serious allergies.

“This report has opened up the possibility of life-saving adrenaline shots being available in public spaces such as restaurants, which would give people with serious allergies access to treatment they need most, no matter where they are.”

The proposals were welcomed by Allergy UK.

Chief executive Carla Jones said: “These recommendations are absolutely fundamental in improving the understanding and use of AAIs – the first line of treatment for someone experiencing anaphylaxis, a condition that can be unpredictable and fatal.

“These recommendations cover the full spectrum of correct anaphylaxis management, from the importance of early administration of adrenaline and the posture of the patient to timeframes and dose. And they also explore the case for making AAIs available in public spaces, presenting the key considerations for this innovation.”

Tags: Allergies & Asthma | NHS | UK News

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