CAI: Petition To Reduce The Risk For Anaphylactic Passengers

The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) is a network of Canadian families who are devoted to raising awareness of anaphylaxis, a severe and life threatening condition, with our federal government.  In May 2013, Members of Parliament unanimously voted in support of Motion-230 brought forth by MP of Niagara-West Glanbrook, Dean Allison, that stated:

“That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.”

With the passing of Motion-230 The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative has highlighted 5 policy areas that Ottawa can now review.  A detailed list of the suggested policies can be viewed on the CAI site, but I would like to emphasize one today, during World Allergy Week as it has the potential to make an impact on the world at large.  That action is:

“Improved Transportation Safeguards, relating to airline and public transportation policies that reduce the risk for food allergic passengers.” 

The CAI has prepared a petition to be presented to the House of Commons requesting the Federal Government enact this policy to reduce the risk of an anaphylactic reaction for travelers, when getting timely medical attention would be greatly impacted.  The two step policy is as follows:

Step 1)

• Suspend serving and selling peanuts/nuts/sesame snaps when an allergic person makes the request.
• Announcement made at departure gate and on board, requesting passengers do not open or consume any peanuts/nuts during this flight. Passengers would not be asked to refrain from eating products labeled only as ‘may contain’ peanuts or nuts.
• The epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) carried by the anaphylactic passenger (or caregiver), with the pharmacy sticker or a doctor’s note is sufficient medical identification.
• Allow pre-board in order to speak with In-Charge Flight Attendant and to wipe down seat area.
• Require flight crew to be trained and authorized to administer an epinephrine auto injector.
• Add an ‘Allergy Notification’ on the Passenger Information List (PIL) to alert staff to expect the allergic passenger.
• Flight Booking Notice: “Please be prepared for possible food restrictions on your flight – in support of our anaphylactic passengers.”

Step 2)

For passengers allergic to foods other than peanuts/nuts, with 48 hours’ notice, the airline will make every effort to come to an agreeable arrangement.

 Steps 1) & 2)

Flight crew will be trained never to refuse boarding to a passenger solely on the basis of that person’s food allergy and anaphylaxis risk.

This policy will save lives, of that I am certain.  I am asking for your help today my friends.  All I ask of you is that you check out the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative site and read about the great things they are accomplishing.  Print off the petition and get some family and friends to sign it, then forward it to your MP, using the cover letter which can be downloaded. The fine folks at CAI have provided everything needed, from the petition itself to finding out who your Member of Parliament is.

Your help and support in fighting this battle will surely help us win the war on anaphylaxis.

Thank you,

FT&PD

Suz