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Local resident urges Greene County to authorize first responders to carry EpiPens after severe reaction
Summary
Bill Miranda told the committee he suffered a severe allergic reaction after a sting and urged Greene County to pass a resolution so first responders beyond ambulances can carry and use epinephrine. He cited roughly 100 anaphylactic calls in the county per year and a potential sponsor to cover startup costs.
Bill Miranda told the Greene County committee he suffered a severe allergic reaction after a sting on Nov. 5 and urged county officials to consider a resolution allowing first responders to carry and administer epinephrine.
"I got stung by a... I had severe allergic reaction," Miranda said, recounting that he required multiple doses of epinephrine and five days in the hospital. He told the committee that "there's approximately a 100 anaphylactic calls in Greene County every year," and that ambulances are not always immediately available in rural areas.
Miranda said he had discussed the issue with the county paramedic and several fire chiefs, and that some local first-response agencies want to carry EpiPens but lack clear authority or training. "The Department of Health policy regarding the EpiPens was, for lack of better words, less than helpful," he said, and asked the county to review the statute language and consider a local resolution to authorize non-ambulance first responders to carry and use epinephrine.
A county official noted a 2024 state legislative change that appears to broaden authority but said a local resolution may still be required for some agencies. Committee members asked staff to review the precise statute language and report back before drafting any formal county resolution.
Miranda also said a local office had expressed interest in supporting startup costs; he estimated kit startup expenses for some units and urged the county to consider both training and funding options. The committee did not take immediate action but agreed to research the legal and training steps needed to move forward.
