Eastern Wayne Today

State Sen. Peter J. Lucido, (R-Shelby Township) announced his bills allowing police and firefighters to use EpiPens and providing protection to school employees who use them.

An EpiPen, formally known as an epinephrine auto-injector, is a medical device used for injecting a measured dose of epinephrine by means of auto-injector technology.

“First responders serve to protect life and property, and when they are called upon to make split-second, life-or-death decisions, it’s important they have every tool possible at their disposal,” Lucido said on the MiSenateGOP website. "Unfortunately, and inexplicably, they are currently not allowed to use EpiPens to help people experiencing allergic reactions — something that is very common. This legislation would correct that mistake to make sure first responders have what they need to save lives.”

Senate Bill 417 would allow doctors to prescribe and pharmacists to dispense EpiPens to fire departments and law enforcement agencies to treat anaphylaxis. The legislation is accompanied by SB 418, which is sponsored by Sen. Michael D. MacDonald (R-Macomb Township), which would create the Law Enforcement and Firefighter Access to Epinephrine Act.

Lucido also sponsored SB 843, which would form civil and criminal liability protections for school employees who, in good faith, either use or do not use the device on a student. School districts, members of school boards, and directors or officers of nonpublic schools, already protected from civil liabilities, would also gain criminal liability protections.

“Educators and school employees want nothing but the best for their students and individuals under their care, including their health and well-being,” the senator said on MiSenateGOP. “They shouldn’t have to worry about getting sued if they need to administer an EpiPen, or if they, for some reason, are unable to administer one.”