Rhode Island Athletic Trainers To Be Trained And Equipped With Epi-Pens

A new law will require Rhode Island athletic trainers to be trained in using — and to be equipped with — epinephrine auto-injectors.

The legislation requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors, orepi-pens, and will require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities by Sept. 1.

“With rates of severe and potentially life-threatening allergies rising among our children, it is imperative that our school’s athletic trainers be prepared to deliver life-saving care if an allergic reaction were to take place during a sporting event," Sen. Walter S. Felag, D-Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, said in a media release.

"One bee sting or mislabeled food product could bring catastrophic results, and this bill will hopefully prevent tragedy from occurring on our schools’ playing fields,” Felag said.

“Epi-pens are critical tools to reverse deadly allergic reactions, and with severe allergies increasing in our children, school staff must know how to respond with epi-pens if an emergency takes place," Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski, D-Cranston, said in the release.

"This bill will save lives, it’s as simple as that,” Baginski said.