[pct-l] Epi-pens on the trail

[Ann Gerckens]

Please remember that the purpose of the epinephrine is to buy time for the 
antihistamine (diphenhydramine, Benadryl) to work.  And the reason for the 
wilderness protocol of carrying a minimum of 2 doses of epinephrine is that 
sometimes the allergic reaction outlasts the antihistamine.

Personally, I’m still po’d about the demise of Ana-kit.  That kit included 
antihistamines, fit nicely in a pocket without working its way out and was much 
lighter than an epi-pen.  Those double dose syringes also fit very nicely in a 
waterproof cigarette case along with an asthma inhaler and many doses of 
Benadryl. Everything for an allergic reaction in one compact, waterproof place. 

As for yellow jacket numbers, I’ve never seen so many as I saw in southern 
Oregon last month.  I was swarmed every time I sat down to eat.  Breakfast and 
dinner ended up being consumed inside my tent (bad habit). On the trail 
refueling was very tricky and scary
 SPLAT!