Altrix Medical Launches EpiFind

My seven year old daughter is severely peanut allergic. Since her diagnosis at the age of one year, I have, like many parents of allergic children, carried around a fear that I might not be able to help her if she ever needs me. As vigilant as I am about carrying her epinephrine, I sometimes forget it. At the same time though, I know that epinephrine is commonplace – literally hiding in people’s pockets and purses.

Today I am pleased to announce that Altrix Medical is releasing EpiFind for iOS and Android devices to assist people who are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Our app allows an epinephrine carrier to register his or her auto-injector and, using this information and that from others who also register their devices, connects users in a two mile radius when emergency epinephrine is needed*. EpiFind also allows custodians of public access epinephrine to register those devices and it displays those locations as well.

Allergies, and food allergies in particular, are a topic near to my heart. Someone experiencing anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur quickly when someone is exposed to an allergen, requires immediate administration of epinephrine. If a person does not have his or her prescribed epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen) either because they have never been diagnosed with an allergy, forgot to carry it, or some other reason, their situation is dire. Such a thought causes heartfelt anxiety in people with severe allergies and their families.

We hope this free app will help support community-based first aid for anaphylaxis and provide peace of mind to people with allergies, their families, and friends. As always, I’d love to hear your comments. Share my blog or drop me a line at matthew.shaker@altrixmedical.com.

*Laws governing the sharing up epinephrine vary. You should not administer, lend, borrow, give or receive any prescription medication unless authorized or licensed to do so.