Pfizer Canada Inc. and WestJet offer suggestions for a safer and less stressful travel experience
KIRKLAND, QC and CALGARY, AB, May 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Pfizer Canada Inc., makers of EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector, and WestJet today announced results of a survey commissioned to determine the concerns of Canadians at risk of anaphylaxis who may be travelling this summer.
A total of 666 Canadian adults, who were all prescreened as being at risk of anaphylaxis,a or as being responsible for a child at risk, were asked about their allergy concerns when planning a trip.
Forty per cent of respondents expressed that they are not very concerned or not at all concerned with allergy precaution planning. Sixty per cent said they are very to somewhat concerned about allergy precaution planning for future travel.1
According to the survey, respondents at riska said they are "somewhat to very concerned" about taking the following precautions for future travel:
- A total of 53 per cent were concerned about having an epinephrine auto-injector that is up to date (not expired) and packed for travelling.2 Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) were concerned about ensuring allergy medication is up to date (not expired) and packed.3
- Among those flying, four in 10 people (43 per cent) said they are concerned about checking the airline's allergy policy prior to departure; four in 10 respondents also are concerned about arranging to have appropriate food on board (42 per cent) or with them on a trip (40 per cent);4
WestJet, in collaboration with Pfizer Canada, has added EpiPenand EpiPen Jr (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors to all medical kits on board their fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. Epinephrine is the first-line medication that should be used for the emergency management of a person having a potentially life-threatening (or severe) allergic reaction.5
"Anaphylaxis can be a serious health concern for Canadians who are not prepared, particularly when travelling during summer and throughout the year," said Lorella Garofalo, Director, Medical Affairs at Pfizer Canada. "Our goal is to raise awareness of the simple steps Canadians can take to prepare for a safer and less stressful trip when travelling this summer."
According to Lorne Mackenzie, WestJet's Director of Environment and Regulatory Affairs: "This survey demonstrates that there are Canadians at risk of anaphylaxis who take active steps to be prepared while travelling. At WestJet, we have embraced our culture of care by stocking EpiPen Auto-Injectors on board our aircraft and providing detailed information on our website for guests with allergies travelling on our airline."
Additionally, WestJet and Pfizer offer the following tips to help those at risk to plan and prepare for holiday travel:
-
Contact airlines to find out their allergy policy. WestJet's detailed
policy includes aircraft preparedness and recommendations for guests
with allergies.
-
Check out the buy-on-board items for sale on the aircraft. Airlines'
websites will most often feature the items for sale. All of the items
on board WestJet aircraft are nut free.
-
If travelling alone, inform a flight attendant of your allergy and where
you keep your epinephrine auto-injector. WestJet's flight crew is happy
to make an announcement to guests seated around you to ensure your
comfort.
-
While on board, take note of people nearby and what they are eating. If
travellers at risk of severe allergic reactions feel a substance being
eaten by someone nearby might be harmful to them, notify the flight
crew.
-
Consider choosing a hotel close to a hospital or satellite health
facility. Guests travelling on a WestJet Vacation can find the
addresses of all hotel properties at westjetvacations.com.
-
Upon arrival at the hotel, note the phone numbers of cabs and emergency
service vehicles and keep this information somewhere where it can
easily be accessed.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you are at risk of anaphylaxis.
The survey also showed that one in 10 respondents (nine per cent) said they have experienced travel in which an epinephrine auto-injector they had with them was actually needed and used.6The same number said they have experienced a trip in which they did not pack an auto-injector but needed one.7
Among the 666 respondents surveyed,8 just two per cent took each of these five key precautions during their most recent trip: Checking on the airlines allergy policy, packing their own food when flying, researching their destination for emergency medical facilities and allergy friendly restaurants, and making sure their epinephrine auto-injector is up to date. Meanwhile, 31 per cent said they took none of the above key precautions on their most recent trip. Another 34 per cent had taken just one precaution, 22 per cent took two key precautions, and only seven per cent took three precautions.
About Pfizer Canada
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the
world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Pfizer discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines for humans
and animals. At Pfizer, we're working together for a healthier world.
For more information, visit www.pfizer.ca.
Important Safety Information (ISI):
EpiPen (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors are indicated for the emergency
treatment of anaphylactic reactions in patients who are determined by a
physician to be at increased risk of anaphylaxis. EpiPen Auto-Injectors
are designed as emergency supportive therapy only. After
administration, patients should seek medical attention immediately or
go to the emergency room. This product may not be right for you, always
read and follow the label. For details on EpiPen, or educational and
product safety information, please visit www.EpiPen.ca.