Nut allergy boy’s vital medicine confiscated at airport security
THE mother of a teenage boy with a severe peanut allergy has spoken out and called for procedural changes after his life-saving antihistamine medication was confiscated from him during security checks at Manchester Airport.
Emma Wakefield said she was anxious at the thought of her 14-year-old son, Ben, going on a school trip to Italy, since his allergies have previously left him seriously ill in hospital.
So in preparation, she packed two batches of his allergy medication, together with a paper prescription, a signed doctor’s letter and a copy of Ben’s care plan. He was also given a sunflower hidden disability lanyard to wear at the airport.
But Emma said that at security, Ben’s medication – a 150ml bottle inside his bag – was confiscated and tipped away, without his teacher being consulted. The bag had been rejected in an X-ray scan because of the bottle.
The M.E.N. understands Ben’s lanyard was hidden from view under his clothing at the time and he didn’t speak up or present security staff with his paper prescription, signed doctor’s letter or care plan.
He had also become separated from a teacher at the time, who wasn’t with him when he passed through security, and there was no prescription label on the bottle. It was a brand that’s sold over the counter.
Manchester Airport has confirmed it investigated the incident and viewed CCTV, and was now in contact with Ben’s family. In Italy, the teenager went on to have an allergic reaction to an apple, which was treated with a second lot of medication stored in his suitcase.
Mum-of-two Emma, 44, said Ben didn’t make a complaint at the time and his teachers weren’t aware until they landed in Italy.
She said: “I was worried about him going away, because of his allergies,
He saw Ben had too much liquid and poured it away – that decision could have had tragic consequences Mum Emma
and so I followed all the instructions very carefully. The security worker didn’t check with Ben’s teacher, and he didn’t consult his doctor’s letter or his care plan. He simply saw that Ben had too much liquid and poured it away.
“That decision could have had tragic consequences. Ben got on a flight without all the medication he needed, and he was at risk. At the very least, security workers should not be making decisions for children without even letting their adult know.”
Ben’s condition was diagnosed aged two, after his arm swelled when he got peanut butter on it. His condition was well-managed but aged 10, he suffered a severe reaction from a nougat bar. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and placed in critical care whilst doctors stabilised his condition.
Emma, a teacher, added: “When the school trip came around, I wanted him to go and have fun, but I was also worried.”
She said she followed Manchester Airport’s guidance when packing Ben’s medication. Emma said: “I had packed two lots of medication, one in hand luggage, one in the hold, so if he had any problems in the airport or on the journey, he had his epi-pen and his antihistamine. He also had two inhalers.
“Like most 14-year-olds, Ben didn’t make a complaint. They made no effort to talk to his teacher and so he just carried on. An aeroplane is a high-risk environment for Ben, there is little ventilation and there are people eating in close proximity. It is terrifying to think he made that journey without the correct medication.”
Ben landed safely in Italy, but needed his second batch of medication to treat the reaction to the apple.
Emma has now called for a change in procedure in the future. A Manchester Airport spokesperson confirmed the airport was in contact with the family.
Containers with liquid in must not hold more than 100ml under rules. The M.E.N. has contacted the school for comment.
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