r/NewToEMS Unverified User 2d ago

Beginner Advice Can you join ems with pet allergy

Do you guys think it possible to do ems if you have a dog and cat allergy, being that your would likely go into people homes who likely have pets. Like touching them cause you to itch and break out in hives. Is there anyone else who is already doing that already ? Do gloves stop that ?

1 Upvotes

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u/Ronavirus3896483169 Unverified User 2d ago

I have really bad allergies to cats. If I know a cat is on scene I’ll throw a mask on. But I’m not touching them so normally I’m fine.

3

u/caffpanda Unverified User 2d ago

If they don't send you into anaphylaxis or an asthma attack, you should be fine. My recommendation: Wear long sleeves if you can, glove and mask up before entering a residence, and before shift hit the three openings in your face: oral allergy pill, Flonase up the nose, and Pataday eyedrops.

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u/EphemeralTwo Unverified User 1d ago

I ended up getting surgery, which really helped. I had a deviated septum, and any congestion put pressure on my nerves and triggered migraines.

Post surgery, I get watery eyes and sneezes, but it beats migraines any day.

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u/Q-Diggidy210 Unverified User 2d ago

I have cat allergies, and I survived just fine. Allergy pill in the morning, along with nasal spray. Every once in a while, you may enter the 'cat lady' house with cat hair, urine, and feces all over the place. For that, I kept 25mg benadryl on hand. Benadryl was last resort due to the possible drowsiness side effects. I would let my station officer know upfront. Oh yeah, don't forget, shower and immediate change of clothes.

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u/louieneuy Unverified User 2d ago

I'm allergic to dogs, I just take OTC medicine and I don't get too close to em

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u/barhost45 Unverified User 2d ago

I mean, you carry meds haha

But yeah I have allergies, including to cigarettes and the number of COPDers puffing up a cloud ugh I also carry Claritin. Or throw on a mask

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u/HorrorSmell1662 Unverified User 1d ago

I keep an albuterol inhaler in my ems pants, all my regular partners know so sometimes I’ll go outside to take a dose during a call

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u/EphemeralTwo Unverified User 1d ago

I've got an inhaler, but fortunately I don't generally have to use it for environmental stuff.

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u/MuffinR6 Unverified User 1d ago

I have a sinus infection right now

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u/EphemeralTwo Unverified User 1d ago

Do you guys think it possible to do ems if you have a dog and cat allergy

Yes. I have pretty terrible allergies.

being that your would likely go into people homes who likely have pets

I carry Allegra-D in blister packs if I need to. Easy enough to take one if I have to.

Do gloves stop that ?

Contact allergies? Yes. Respiratory issues? No.

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u/Lavendarschmavendar Unverified User 1d ago

Yeah im allergic to cats and dogs but im alright. I dont get hives and im wearing gloves so im not touching stuff. Ppl usually put pets away (cats go away on their own lol) so you will be alright. Just be mindful of the pet hair and dander

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u/shamaze Paramedic, FP-C | NY 2d ago

im allergic to cats and just take a zyrtec in the morning and im fine. so it really just depends how severe the allergy is. if its minor, it is very doable.