WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — All Wisconsin Rapids Police Officers are now carrying EpiPens as part of their standard equipment.
Mayor Matt Zacher says the change came from a tragedy. “What, unfortunately, happened was that a gentleman in town [who] passed away from eating peanuts. He was about 20 years old and never knew he was allergic to peanuts.”
By the time first responders arrived at the home, it was too late. Zacher says the officer also wasn’t equipped with an EpiPen. “That’s what it would have taken to, maybe, keep him alive. We don’t know for sure. But, since then, the family has been bringing people together to get the EpiPens into [police] vehicles.”
Police officers are often first on the scene in a time of need, so it makes sense to have them equipped with something so small that can make a difference. “With the sirens and lights, they can get there pretty quickly. It’s a step in the right direction to possibly save some lives.”
Zacher says it’s not unlike the movement to put Narcan in all police vehicles. “If they have Narcan everywhere, we should [also] have EpiPens.”
Other topics Zacher discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Matt is out of the office!
3:20- Police EpiPens
7:50- Safe surrender box at the Fire Department
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