Thanks so much for this information! Should we be concerned that an ambulance/emergency medical service might not carry epinephrine as a result of this shortage? Would you recommend we call our local township/ambulance to confirm they carry it?

That is an interesting question! In fact, it is never a given that any squad will have epinephrine. Where I live, basic life support squads (BLS, and most often volunteers) have to apply to the state (NJ) to carry it, and then they use auto-injectors. Advanced EMTs, or paramedics from hospitals - I am not sure what they carry but I think they are auto-injectors - I read there is one state out west that started carrying ampules and syringes to cut down on cost. There are other companies that...

That's a really good question. And my understanding is that some carry ampules and some carry autoinjectors. And depending on the squad they send, they may or may not be authorized to inject. This all varies by locality. So, you really do need to contact your local first responders and find out what they do carry.

Thanks for the responses! Someone recommended this to me a few years ago, just to make sure our local ambulances carry epinephrine, and I have yet to do so. This news is giving me the extra push to call!

Let us know what they say...I know that volunteer-run companies struggle with a shortage of both money and volunteers and still have training requirements to deal with anytime they want to do something new or better, and sometimes that comes into play, at least where I live.

I just emailed the ABC station WRIC in VA who issued the report, asking that they issue a correction and update on their report of July 13. Aside from the confusion about injections vs. auto-injectors, there was a whole lot of weird quoting of the pediatrician, who sounds either misinformed or misquoted. Was wondering if KFA or AAFA has reached out to them?

I don't believe so. I just looked at the story again under the video - they updated the text to say "there is no immediate concern" but the video is still there. I suppose if one is on Facebook, one could share our post in their comments section (that appears to be what they use....)