New York expands officers that can carry, administer epinephrine

NEW YORK STATE--Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation (S.4375/A.4652) authorizing forest rangers, park rangers and environmental conservation police officers to possess and administer epinephrine auto-injectors. Epinephrine is commonly used to treat serious allergic reactions such as bee stings, insect bites, food allergies or exercise-induced shock.
"More New Yorkers than ever are taking advantage of the natural beauty our state has to offer, but it's important to stay safe, especially if you're prone to severe allergic reactions," Cuomo said. "This commonsense legislation allows a wider range of professionals in our state parks and other natural areas to use epinephrine auto-injectors and keep New Yorkers safe in the wild. This will give hikers, bikers and other outdoor travelers a greater sense of security as they navigate New York's serene natural areas."
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, occurs in roughly one in 50 Americans. Many parks and forests in New York are far from medical facilities, and this legislation allows professionals in state parks and forests, to administer epinephrine auto-injectors to people who have allergic reactions.
"The summer season is now upon us and after the overwhelming isolation New Yorkers have experienced during this pandemic, they are literally and figuratively 'itching' to get out and visit our campgrounds and state parks to recreate," Senator Jim Tedisco said. "Hikers, campers, swimmers, hunters, and picnickers are out in force. Unfortunately, they'll be bites and allergic reactions. That's why we need our park rangers, forest rangers and environmental conservation police officers to be able to carry life-saving epinephrine auto-injectors to help respond to a severe allergic reaction. I want to thank Gov. Cuomo for signing this common sense, bi-partisan new law that I was proud to sponsor that will ensure that New York state's 700 dedicated park rangers, forest rangers and environmental conservation police have the ability, if they choose, to carry epinephrine auto-injectors while on patrol so we can help save lives."