Teacher with no known allergies survives sudden life-threatening allergic reaction

This is the story of the 5th time one of our Kitts has been used to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction. It was featured across the BBC on Friday, and is sure to leave you shocked, inspired, and informed.

Elaine Fraser, 53, lived her whole life with no known allergies. However, when she consumed a ginger beer drink whilst at her home at 11pm on the evening of 24th July, she began experiencing alarming symptoms.

'My throat started tightening, and I started getting a bit wheezy,' she recounted. Despite taking an antihistamine, the reaction worsened rapidly. 'It just came back like a storm,' Elaine said. 'I was really quite frightened because I'd already taken the only thing I had in the house, and it obviously wasn't working.'

With her condition deteriorating and time running out, Elaine made a desperate call to her colleague Jason, a former military personnel trained in first aid.

Jason Jaekel, Elaine Fraser and Zak Marks standing outside York House school with the Anaphylaxis Kitt that was used to treat Elaine's life-threatening allergic reaction.

 Jason Jaekel, 36, lives on site as the Estates Manager at York House school, a leading independent school based in Rickmansworth, London, where Elaine also works. Jason immediately recognized the severity of the situation and rushed to Elaine's home with the schools’ Anaphylaxis Kitt, provided by Kitt Medical: 'I knew my mate needed help, and I knew I had what I needed to help her,' Jason said.

Upon arrival, Jason found Elaine struggling to breathe, and rapidly administered an adrenaline pen from the Kitt. 'When we gave the pen, a bit of Elaine came back… within 15 seconds, it made a difference,' Jason recalled. Elaine's condition stabilized, allowing Jason to transport her to the hospital swiftly.

The swift action and availability of the Anaphylaxis Kitt proved invaluable. At the hospital, Elaine's treatment was expedited thanks to Jason's decisive actions and the Kitt's clear indication of anaphylaxis. 'It was like parting the Red Sea,' Elaine described. 'It definitely made a difference.' Elaine's condition was further complicated by underlying respiratory issues, including double pneumonia and scarring from a previous COVID-19 infection.

Elaine Fraser with Zak Marks, Co-founder of Kitt Medical, and the open Kitt with adrenaline pens inside.

Without the timely intervention, Elaine's chances of survival would have been severely diminished. “They told me I had a one in three chance of not making it” Elaine reflected. ‘The reality of it is I nearly died that night… The Anaphylaxis Kitt literally saved my life. 999 wouldn’t have made it in time as we live in a very obscure area. If Jason hadn't had access to the Kitt and the knowledge to use it, I wouldn't have made it.'

Jason remained calm thanks to his training. 'Having that Kitt gave me everything I needed to help her. I felt prepared and confident instead of panicked,' he said. ‘The first doctor in A&E didn’t want to treat her for anaphylaxis – it was only after the scans that they realised it was definitely allergy’.

Professor Adam Fox, a leading UK allergy doctor, backed up Jason’s actions, stating: Adrenaline pens are very safe and are the first line treatment when anaphylaxis is suspected. The sooner it is given, the better chance it has to have the required effect. Unfortunately, whilst the UK has one of the highest prevalence of allergy in the world, training for GPs is limited and despite national guidance, a significant proportion of patients who should be carrying adrenaline have never had it prescribed. This makes them very vulnerable to future episodes without the access they need to this lifesaving medicine. Sadly we continue to hear of tragic cases where more immediate access to adrenaline and better understanding and awareness would have saved young lives.”

Watch the full BBC film below, featuring Adam Fox’s live interview to add comment after.

Kitt Medical's Anaphylaxis Kitts are designed to provide immediate access to adrenaline, the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, in emergency situations. They come with a subscription supply of adrenaline pens, alongside online CPD-accredited staff training. Having launched at the start of 2023, they now have over 500 Kitts in 400 venues across the UK. This is the fourth time a Kitt has been used to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction since the launch of the business.

'Our mission is to make anaphylaxis treatment accessible to anyone who needs it' said Zak, the founder of Kitt Medical, who himself has severe allergies to nuts. 'Elaine's story highlights the importance of having generic adrenaline medication readily available for emergencies, as anaphylaxis can strike anyone, even those without known allergies. This is a timely call-to-action, especially given the recent high-profile cases of allergy related deaths such as the Costa Coffee Hannah Jacobs incident.'

On the back of their recent experience, Jason and Elaine are advocating for making Kitts as ubiquitous as defibrillators in public spaces. ‘I think every school should have one, in the same way that you have public defibrillators, they should have one of your Kitts. These Kitts should be next to every public service’ Elaine said.

The full story was also written up in the BBC, and featured widely online - ‘I nearly died drinking a ginger beer – my school’s EpiPen saved my life’)

Kitt Medical is committed to raising awareness about the importance of anaphylaxis preparedness. The Kitts are available to purchase for schools and qualifying businesses through occupational health, with a recent notable install of 17 Kitts across Alton Towers Resort. By sharing Elaine's story, they hope to inspire communities and organizations to prioritise getting proactive about allergy care.