Innisfil firefighters will be the first in the country to use the “Neffy” spray. “It’s a nasal epinephrine,” said Dr. Ian Young “It’s used for severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis,” Young told CTV News. The needle-free option for treatment has many benefits according to firefighters, who will now carry the spray to all calls in Innisfil. “Anaphylaxis is one of the most time-critical medical emergencies that we respond to,” said Innisfil Fire Chief Brent Thomas. “What this does is expand our options, the needle-free delivery method has the potential to reduce hesitation and increase confidence for both responders and for the public,” said Thomas. The new spray is used in a couple of other countries, but the eyes of Canada will be on Innisfil as it becomes the first jurisdiction in the country to offer it. “If you have, or know someone with severe allergies, this new nasal spray is going to be a game changer,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. The device works similarly to the way Naloxone is given to people who have a drug overdose. “Bring it into the nostril and you squirt - I won’t even say spray, it’s a squirt - and it’s absorbed directly from the nasal membranes,” said Young. All 40 career and 20 volunteer firefighters have now been trained with the new nasal spray. Thursday was the first day that the spray cartridges were placed in all of Innisfil’s fire trucks.
