"Didn't she have an EpiPen?"
This question is often on people’s minds after hearing or reading about what happened to Natasha. Because she had food allergies, her two EpiPens (adrenaline autoinjectors) went with her wherever she went from when she was little. We always considered them to be ‘magic wands' and that they would save her in any urgent allergic situation.
Natasha had started to feel unwell when she boarded a BA plane with her dad and best friend - they were very excited, they were going on a 4-day holiday as a special treat to the South of France. The girls had broken up from school for the summer holidays just 2 days before. At the airport, she had eaten a baguette sandwich that had sesame seeds baked into the dough of the bread but wasn't listed on the food label. Natasha was allergic to them.
Her first symptom was a wheeze for which she took an inhaler but it got worse rather than better. She took an antihistamine before raising her t-shirt to show her dad, huge raised hives on her stomach and sides that looked like welts. It was then that her father administered first one Epipen and soon after, the other. A junior doctor did everything he could to try to save her but there was no additional adrenaline he could use in the plane’s emergency medical kit. An air steward helped take turns with CPR until French paramedics boarded when the plane landed. Finally, a defibrillator was offered, but too late.
On the plane, Natasha had no way of receiving the urgent medical help she so desperately needed. She had eaten a lot of sesame seeds, not just one or two, she had asthma which no doubt made things worse. Doctors tell us they don't know why some people die from anaphylaxis, though most don't but EpiPens are the first line of defence in an allergic medical emergency. At Natasha’s inquest, the allergy specialist suggested that the 2nd shot of adrenaline from her EpiPen should have gone into her opposite thigh, and it makes sense because adrenaline constricts blood vessels, but unfortunately, there is no conclusive medical evidence to prove this.
I don't know why the EpiPens didn't save my daughter, other than I believe she needed more adrenaline and medical attention. EpiPens do save lives for the majority of people experiencing anaphylaxis; always carry two that are in date, never let them get too hot or too cold as this can affect the efficacy of the adrenaline, and know exactly how to use them by practising with a trainer or expired pens. If you suspect anaphylaxis, administer without hesitation and call for emergency medical help immediately.
