HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined by Legislator Dominick Thorne, Suffolk County Police Department leadership, allergy-prevention advocates, and police officers announced on September 9, 2025 that less than one week after EpiPens were placed in select Suffolk County police cruisers, officers used one to save the life of a man experiencing anaphylactic shock.
The initiative is permitted under New York State’s Gio’s Law, championed by Georgina Cornago, who lost her son Giovanni to a severe allergic reaction. In 2022, Legislator Thorne introduced legislation—passed with bipartisan support—requiring Suffolk County police patrol vehicles to be equipped with EpiPens, which can quickly reverse life-threatening allergic reactions and prevent fatalities.
Inspector Kevin Williams from the Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct confirmed that 2 squad cars in the Town of Huntington are now equipped with the life saving EpiPens.
The Mayo Clinic: “Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings.
Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.
Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don’t have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can be fatal.
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes, however, anaphylaxis can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may be delayed for hours. Signs and symptoms include:
- Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Dizziness or fainting”
