Special Training on Anaphylactic Shock for Fallon Ambulance EMTs

Fallon Ambulance Service, in conjunction with the Quincy Medical Center, is providing special upgraded training in identifying and recognizing anaphylactic reactions for the company's 342 EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

The EMTs will learn how to use an EPI Pen Auto Injector to treat victims of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can occur when someone has a severe allergic reaction. The EPI Pen Auto Injector used to treat anaphylactic shock looks like a pen and is injects life-saving medicine into the victim's thigh.

A common cause of anaphylactic shock is peanut allergy, which can prove fatal if someone who is allergic to peanuts accidentally consumes one, or in rare cases, even smells them. Other causes of anaphylactic shock are bee stings and seafood allergies, which sometimes are so strong that a person's throat could swell shut and they could die.

"With restaurants offering such diverse dishes, it's important that our EMTs are prepared to handle an anaphylactic shock situation with the latest state-of-the-art technology," said Patrick Tyler, Director of Clinical Operations for Fallon Ambulance.

Fallon Ambulance Service was founded in 1936 by James R. Fallon, Sr., and has remained a family operated business to this day. The founder’s son, James R. (Ray) Fallon, Jr., and five of his children have all played an integral role in the company’s operation and growth. Fallon Ambulance employs more than 400 personnel, and operates 115 vehicles. The company provides 9-1-1 service to Milton, Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Braintree and Dedham as well as primary backup to Boston and Randolph. Fallon Ambulance Service also provides medical transportation for a number of nursing homes, hospitals, and HMOs throughout Greater Boston. Headquarters are at 111 Brook Road, Quincy, MA 02169, and Fallon Ambulance operates satellite offices in Weymouth, Allston and Quincy, MA. A new state-of-the-art headquarters is slated for opening in Quincy in the Fall, 2004. Fallon Ambulance Service is a several-time recipient of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Profile,” and the “local heroes” award by the South Shore Community Action Council. For additional information about Fallon Ambulance services or programs that the company offers, contact Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development, at (617) 745-2100, ext. 117 or visit www.fallonambulance.com.