Anaphylaxis Canada has shared with us that a unique initiative is being launched in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada this week to examine the effects of stocking epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen® and Allerject™) at Jackson Square shopping mall. This is long over-due.
The pilot project, which was spearheaded by the City of Hamilton, involves McMaster University, Anaphylaxis Canada, First Real Properties Limited, which manages Jackson Square and the security staff, and the Rotary Club of Ancaster AM. The project was inspired by the devastating death of Maia Gallo, a 12 year-old girl who passed away after having an anaphylactic reaction when she consumed an ice cream cone. The cone was purchased at a mall in Burlington, Ontario in 2013.
Anaphylaxis Canada was contracted by the City of Hamilton to develope a training program for mall security guards and senior staff in all food courts and restaurants. The security guards at Jackson Square Mall have been taught to recognize the symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction. They have been instructed on how to give epinephrine using “stock” or “undesignated” epinephrine auto-injectors. These devices ( an EpiPen or Allerject) are not prescribed for a particular person. They can therefore be used in an emergency to help individuals who are having an allergic reaction and who may not have their own device. They can also be used when someone requires a second or third dose of epinephrine.Anaphylaxis Canada is extremely pleased to be working with leaders from the Hamilton community on this important initiative, which will help to raise public awareness about food allergies/anaphylaxis. Please show your support for this incredibly worthy cause and share the good news with friends and family. With awareness, diligence and hope we can get this initiative brought to other public venues as well. Congratulations Hamilton for being leaders in the fight against food allergies!
FT&PD
Suz
I would have thought Jackson Square would have done this about three years ago when my sons friend Amanda B had a severe reaction to something she ate from the food court. Signs were not posted, she almost died. she was bruised along her arms where the hospital attendants pushed the IV’S. If it hadn’t been for the quick thinking of someone else who was eating in the food court she would be dead.
I don’t think having a EPI PIN at customer service or on security would help as much as it should, this injection needs to be given immediately at the first start of reaction. There wont be time to call security or run to customer service.
I applaud the effort and hope that there are stations throughout the mall with the Epi pins, especially at the Food court
That’s my opinion, anyway
I agree Darlene, there needs to be stations all over the place for this to be successful..
Suanne you mention in your message that ALL FOOD COURT staff will be trained in recognizing when epic-pen may be needed along with security guards. My hope is that they will never have to put there training to use, but it is very comforting to know that help will be available.
Lets hope that all Malls will do the same thing.
Yes Mom, I totally agree <3
Long overdue — all over the world! Good thing you have it there already. Yes, the food court will be the best place for this. There is sometimes no time to bring the victim to the mall clinic.
Yup, very true.
It’s nice that mall staff would be trained here. They would be in a better place to determine the symptoms.
You are probably right!
What sorts of food allergies does this battle against? I might have to bring one along whenever we have food events to try the effect.
It is to prevent death from Anaphylaxis Roch. Most common allergies are Peanuts and Tree Nuts, but shellfish, Milk and eggs can as well..
Nice mall. Very interesting place to determine symptoms.
🙂
Well I am glad that training session are being held to identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis..although I have never heard of over the counter use of epinephrine. It is ideally prescribed by a health professional.
Yes, and that can be a problem for people who don’t carry an Epi Pen with them.
Is Anaphylaxis a common symptoms amongst kids? I’ve never heard of this symptom but I thought this is a good tip for many shopping malls to carry them!
Anaphylaxis is the result of an allergic reaction, not a symptom. The symptoms can vary from hives, itchy throat, not being able to breathe, vomiting and so on.
Oh my God. I did nit know this xould be a serious case is this really good for curing?
Yes it is
I know a friend who has an allergic reaction to medicines. it can be scary when the allergy occurs. Everything happens fast. It helps to be prepared. (Katrina Centeno)
Yes you really do.
Isn’t Hamilton the town famous for it’s polar bear population? If it takes a small town like Hamilton to be on the cutting edge then that is awesome. Good for them.
LOL, no Tim, but close 🙂 Either way it is a great step forward for allergy awareness.
Thanks for taking the time to post this article I can see how it would be very useful information.
Thanks for checking it out!
Food allergies can cause healthy bodies to deteriorate if it’s not cure at once. This is a nice move of the leaders. Fernando Lachica
I agree
What appears to be something very simple but can be totally life threatening!
And it happens very fast..
Allergy cure is very important. Canadian residents should be benefited from this.
They definitely will..
I am sure we will..
It would be a good idea for food outlets to have this as well
Yes!
This is great movement. Most people don’t believe allergies can be fatal, but if allergies lead to anaphylactic reactions, you might be too late.
That is so true and also so sad..
Such initiatives nowadays are crucial to achieving public awareness on such important issues as food allergies. Too bad, in my country there is no such practice and I find this lack of concern about the consequences of such allergies really disturbing.
Become an advocate for food allergy awareness Vanessa!
I’m glad they will carry it as it could save many lives. Surprised it wasn’t already easily available.
Unfortunately Epi pens are mostly only available with a prescription..
this is a good idea! who knows what stalls put into their foods nowadays and could be allergic to something by surprise
Yes, exactly!
It’s nice to hear they are doing this. I think everyone should at least be trained how to handle emergency situation like this.
You are so right Rebecca!
Something that comes across as simple but not to be taken lightly!
Exactly,,
This is a big plus for the malls. I hope at my place we have a mall like this
Fingers crossed!
I would encourage every mall in Canada to carry this and train their staff! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Anne 🙂
Wow, what a great initiative! I’m sure it’s a relief to individuals and families in the Hamilton area.
It sure is..
I think this is a fabulous idea! While I do not (nor any of my family) have serious allergies, there are many that do, and having solutions like this will save lives!
They need to be more readily available that is for sure. This is a start!
Very good initiative to have mall guards and personnel trained to know the symptoms of this type of allergy.
I remember hearing about this when it happened to the little girl.. so sad. It makes me want to carry an epi pen around with me where ever I go. Even though none of my children have allergies someone might need it near me in an emergency.
I totally hear you Anna. I always have two on me, even when my son is not with me!
Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for reading!
I sister had a bad allergy to shellfish and it can be scary when you are depending on others for your very life
Education is the Key!