The Magazine of The Sierra Club
Allergic kayaker forgets her EpiPen, encounters wasp nest. Now what?
What to do if you're an outdoors person with a bee allergy
When I was 29, I was stung on my hand by a hornet. I removed the stinger and didn't think anything of it—but soon I was flushed and blotchy, eventually collapsing in a doctor's office. I came out with a prescription for injectable epinephrine.
A few months later, I decided to paddle three miles alone to explore an uninhabited island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. On the way, I realized that I'd forgotten my epinephrine, but I didn't go back for it.
On the other side of the island, I stepped on a yellow jacket nest. The wasps stung me 13 times. I felt light-headed and couldn't stay upright.
My heart raced alarmingly. I lay with my head low and tried to focus on my breathing. I could hear passing boats, but I couldn't even lift my head.
After an hour and a half, I felt out of danger. I walked slowly back to my kayak and paddled home. Now I always carry an EpiPen or two on my outdoor adventures.
This article appeared in the January/February 2017 edition with the headline "Don't Leave Home Without It."
Ask the Expert
Mark Nelson is an EMT, a wilderness first responder, and a veteran Sierra Club Outings leader.
"Anyone who is prescribed epinephrine should never leave the house, much less go hiking or paddling, without it. Paddling alone presents risks: Did Deborah let anyone know her route and anticipated return time? Finally, she could have carried a whistle to attract help."
