The proposed bill would allow for law enforcement officers to carry and administer epinephrine in emergency situations.
MADISON (WKOW) — Crista and Mark Mueller’s son Andrew never liked peanut butter, going nearly his entire life without eating it.
But an accidental purchase of peanut butter M&M’S is what cut his life short.
“He passed out right as the officer got there, the officer and I lifted him out of the car and started CPR right away,” said Mark, describing the day Andrew went into anaphylactic shock after eating what he thought were regular M&M’S.
Andrew had an undiagnosed peanut allergy.
“It wasn’t until the paramedics got there that they had the epinephrine. But it was, at that time, already too late,” Crista said.
Andrew didn’t make it.
Crista and Mark Mueller’s son, Andrew.
After facing this loss, the Muellers reached out to Sen. Patrick Testin to help prevent what happened to their son from happening again. Testin drafted a bill that would require law enforcement to carry and administer epinephrine in emergencies.
“Firefighters, paramedics, they have the ability to administer [epinephrine]. Law enforcement does not,” said Testin. “This just makes sense to give them another avenue to help individuals.”
Retired family physician Dr. Leonard Markman said anaphylaxis can kill someone in 15 to 30 minutes, on average.
“That’s why, again, this law is critical that our first responders have the medication they need right away,” said Dr. Markman.
Markham helped create Dylan’s Law, after another person, Dylan Miller, was stung by a bee 10 years ago and first responders did not have epinephrine to save his life.
Dylan’s Law allows any individual to take an anaphylactic training course to be able to carry epinephrine with them.
“I was really hoping with that law alone, that our first responders would get trained and carry it with them. That was not the case,” said Markham.
Madison Police Officer Anthony Vogel said if that is mandated, his department would need more resources.
In an email to 27 News, he wrote: “In the event that this bill passes we would need some additional resources to implement this across our department. Examples of the resources needed would be funding for autoinjectors (they can cost $300 each) along with some refresher training in how to use them or a lot of training in the use of hypodermic syringes and drug ampules for a moderate cost per unit.”
“We recognize those concerns,” said Testin. “And so we’re trying to find ways that we can lower the fiscal component of this.”
Testin said the bill could be an unfunded mandate, but he’s also open to the possibility of assisting local departments with funding.
The Muellers believe if officers had epinephrine on hand, things might have been different for their son.
“I think, without a doubt, it would’ve made a difference,” said Mark.
“It would’ve been a different outcome,” Crista added.
In honor of Andrew and his love of trucks, the Muellers are hosting ‘The Andrew Mueller Memorial Show + Benefit’ on June 21. It will be held at the Golden Sands Speedway.