KING COUNTY, WA - Governor Gary Locke recently signed legislation which extends a 1999 law requiring Emergency Medical Technicians to carry and administer epinephrine injections to patients with anaphylaxis, an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction to some foods, bee stings and other allergens.

"This legislation allows us to continue to provide the best emergency medical services to those in our community with severe allergic reactions," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"Some citizens have already benefited from epinephrine injections administered by emergency medical personnel," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

During the last two years, Public Health - Seattle & King County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has worked in cooperation with 35 fire departments and other providers of basic life support services to train Emergency Medical Technicians on anaphylaxis and epinephrine use.

Additionally, EMS has coordinated the joint purchase of pre-filled, epinephrine syringes, saving about $50,000 in King County.

An anaphylactic response, including acute breathlessness, a drop in blood pressure and even death, can occur when some individuals encounter allergens. Foods such as nuts, insect bites, bee stings and medications like penicillin have been associated with anaphylaxis.