Battalion Chief Keith Anderson said his department knew of one other area resident with a latex allergy. Those forms will then be entered into the department's computer system, and if an ambulance is sent to that address, the crew will be aware of the allergy. Jake Javens, a North Shore paramedic who has responded to Tarney's calls for help several times, is responsible for the new kits and for persuading his department to train all department personnel on latex allergies. I was in contact with the doctor, but there was nothing I could do. It also is associated with food allergies.
Most reactions involve mild reddening of the skin, hives or itching.
But latex reactions can progress to hives, and from there to sudden swelling of the windpipe, which can restrict breathing and in extreme cases make it impossible to breathe. That case, which is likely to be appealed, is expected to have a far-reaching impact. In Greendale, a firefighter and emergency medical technician is seeking a duty disability pension because of a reaction to latex gloves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recorded 16 deaths resulting from latex allergy and hundreds more cases in which emergency treatment was necessary. Because the man's condition was life-threatening, paramedics were required to respond and treat the man.