Pfizer Canada Inc., the distributor of EpiPen®, and the Montreal Bell Centre are pleased to announce that EpiPen® (epinephrine) emergency kits are now available at the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. The new partnership strives to offer a safeguarded environment for visitors at risk of serious allergic reactions during hockey games, concerts and other entertainment events.
The EpiPen® emergency kits will be placed in the first aid posts on every floor of the Bell Centre and selected employees will receive training on how to respond properly in case of a severe allergic reaction. The EpiPen® emergency kits hold up to four EpiPen® Auto-Injectors and also include emergency treatment information for anaphylactic reactions, plus a "How to respond to severe allergic reactions" poster and storage instructions.
"Given the large number of patrons attending events at the Bell Centre every year, either for Canadiens home games or for one of the several concerts and events, we feel it is our duty to make sure that we can react promptly and respond properly to the needs of those whose food allergies constitute an ongoing challenge. As a leader of the entertainment scene, it is important for us to be in a position to better respond to an emergency situation at all times and offer an environment that all our customers can enjoy," said Geoff Molson, team owner, President, CEO of the Montreal Canadiens, evenko™ and the Bell Centre.
Throughout the year, the Bell Centre will promote the availability of EpiPen® on premise. This initiative is a proactive step forward for sports and entertainment venues in Quebec. It follows a recent regulatory change in Quebec, stating that in the absence of a first responder, any person may now administer adrenalin (epinephrine) with an auto-injection device – such as EpiPen® – to a person with symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine helps reverse a severe allergic reaction and should be used immediately after an individual starts experiencing symptoms. Using epinephrine immediately after an individual has been exposed to an allergy trigger may prove to be life-saving.
"Pfizer Canada is proud to partner with the Bell Centre, a leader in exemplifying the importance of health and safety measures at event venues and arenas," added Allen Van der Wee, General Manager, Global Established Pharma Business, at Pfizer Canada. "This significant initiative will provide visitors timely access to EpiPen® Auto-Injectors in emergency cases of anaphylaxis when every second counts."
"This collaboration is encouraging to those living with severe allergies. While it is important for individuals to take proper precautions in public places with potential allergen exposure and always carry their own epinephrine auto-injectors, having trained employees and easy access to an emergency kit can help provide better protection in cases of anaphylactic reaction," said Dominique Seigneur, of the Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires (AQAA). "As the mother of a child living with severe allergies, I believe this new initiative is another step in the right direction in raising awareness about food allergies. We can never be too cautious despite all the precautions that are taken to avoid serious reactions."
The Reality of Severe Allergies
With an estimated 1.4 million Canadians at risk of anaphylaxis, severe allergies are a leading cause of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and a growing public health concern, especially among children and teenagers. There is no way to predict how severe an allergic reaction may be and there is no known cure for anaphylaxis.
The top ten foods that are most frequently associated with food allergies include peanuts, eggs, milk, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame seeds, seafood, sulphites and mustard. Even tiny or trace amounts of a food allergen can trigger a severe allergic reaction.
Food allergies' broad impact on quality of life demands greater awareness