
Bill allowing police to carry EpiPens advances
NEW JERSEY – The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee voted in favor of bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) that would allow law enforcement officers to carry epinephrine.
“Police officers are often the first to arrive on the scene, and in an emergency where every second counts, having access to life saving medicine like epinephrine can make all the difference,” said O’Scanlon. “This is a commonsense bill that would enable law enforcement officers to be properly trained and equipped to respond to someone experiencing anaphylaxis.”
Under Senator O’Scanlon’s bill, S-3257, police officers would be given the opportunity to complete an educational program on how to administer epinephrine and be allowed to carry at least one dose of the medicine in all vehicles or medical supply kits.
“Allowing police officers to carry epi-pens increases the chance of saving lives and ensures they can provide critical care when it is needed most,” said O’Scanlon.