A Sarnia mother has started an online petition in hopes of improving diabetes emergency preparedness.
Sydney Adams said with enough signatures, she plans to send a letter to the Canadian Red Cross, asking the organization to update its First Aid and CPR training to include Baqsimi, a glucagon nasal spray.
"People in First Aid can administer Narcan and EpiPens but not Baqsimi, even though it's just as safe and just as life-saving," she said. "This feels like a gap that we can fix for those living with Type 1 diabetes."
Adams has been advocating for improved preparedness on behalf of her six-year-old daughter, Farryn. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three.
Although there is a school nurse who is familiar with Farryn's condition, Adams said it would be comforting if other adults (such as teachers) trained in First Aid knew how to administer Baqsimi.
She said while severe hypoglycemia doesn't happen very often, it can happen. Most people with Type 1 diabetes will monitor their blood glucose using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
"But there are times where it happens out of nowhere. They become unconscious, they can start seizing and brain damage can happen," she said. "It's important that this gets administered right away, much like Narcan or an EpiPen would."
As of Friday morning, the online petition had garnered over 1,500 signatures.
Adams said she recognizes the possible change to First Aid and CPR training would take time, but she's heard a lot of positive feedback so far from residents.
"Everybody that I've talked to [has said], 'this is such a great idea, I can't believe this isn't included yet, I can't believe this isn't standard.'"
