When Elaine Fraser, a 53-year-old teacher, collapsed at home after drinking ginger beer, she was unaware of her severe allergy. “It escalated unbelievably quickly,” she recalls, describing the frightening moment when her chest felt constricted and breathing became a struggle.
Thanks to training provided to school staff, Elaine recognized the signs of anaphylactic shock. “I knew my time was running out,” she said, realizing she needed to make an urgent call for help. That call went to school caretaker Jason Jaekel, who lives just two minutes away.
“You could tell from her voice it was a life-threatening situation,” Jason remembered. Without hesitation, he grabbed an EpiPen kit from the school office and rushed to Elaine’s aid. “It was just a lightbulb moment,” he said, recalling how the adrenaline injection restored Elaine’s breathing and clarity almost instantly. “I felt an immediate relief.”
Elaine’s life was saved due to a 2017 law in the UK that permits schools to stock and administer adrenaline pens. This legislation was a response to the tragic death of 13-year-old Karanbir Cheema, who lost his life due to an allergic reaction after a classmate flicked cheese at him, rendering his expired EpiPen useless.
Despite this critical law, participation in the school EpiPen program is optional and lacks funding, with estimates suggesting only half of schools have opted in. Advocates, including several MPs, are now pushing for mandatory inclusion and expansion to restaurants and other public spaces.
The adrenaline pen that saved Elaine was supplied by Kitt Medical, founded by Zak Marks. Since its launch in 2023, the company has provided EpiPens to around 500 schools, with reports of their use to treat life-threatening reactions on seven occasions. Zak expressed his emotional response each time he hears of the pens being used: “I cry every time I hear this.”
Nasar Ahmed’s tragic death in 2016 from an allergic reaction during lunch sparked discussions about the need for accessible adrenaline in public areas. Although the Chief Medical Officer has cited concerns about untrained individuals administering EpiPens, advocates argue for legislative changes to allow for broader access.
Dr. Chinedu Nwokoro, who attended Nasar’s inquest, supports the notion of EpiPens in more locations, acknowledging the ongoing risk of anaphylactic reactions. “What we’re seeing is a continued trickle of deaths or serious near misses from anaphylaxis,” he stated. “If it has been rolled out safely in schools, why not elsewhere?”
Ireland has enacted similar legislation after the death of 14-year-old Emma Sloan, who succumbed to an allergic reaction after being denied an EpiPen. Under Irish law, pharmacies and businesses can administer adrenaline if trained appropriately. However, uptake remains low, as many organizations are unaware of the scheme.
The UK has one of the highest allergy prevalence rates globally, with a national strategy for allergy care being developed, slated for publication in October 2025. Professor Adam Fox, chairman of the National Strategy for Allergy, noted that food allergies are on the rise, leading to more severe reactions. “After the home, schools and restaurants are the most common places for reactions,” he explained, urging policymakers to consider how improved access to EpiPens can protect those with allergies.
Though doctors have yet to determine the specific ingredient in ginger beer that triggered Elaine’s reaction, Professor Fox reassures that while it’s possible to develop allergies later in life, it is relatively uncommon.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care stated that they are collaborating with the NHS and various organizations to explore ways to enhance allergy care and support.
