Innisfil, ON — Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services (IFRS) has added neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) to its emergency medical kits, making it the first fire department in Canada to carry the needle-free device.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can escalate within minutes of exposure to a trigger such as food, insect venom, or medication.1 Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and rapid recognition and management can be lifesaving.2
"When our crews respond to a call for anaphylaxis, seconds truly matter,” says Brent Thomas, Fire Chief, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services. "Being the first fire department in Canada to carry a needle-free epinephrine option reflects our commitment to innovation and to removing barriers to rapid, effective care."
A nasal spray is not only fast and easy to administer, it also reduces the fear and hesitation some people experience with needles—making it a more comfortable option in an already stressful situation. "This addition strengthens our ability to support those living with severe allergies and ensures our firefighters have another safe, practical tool to use when it matters most."
The department completed training on neffy® as part of this rollout, with 40 career and 20 volunteer firefighters now trained on the device. neffy® units are deployed across three response vehicles and three stations.
"Epinephrine remains the cornerstone of the early management of anaphylaxis, and every effort should be made to reduce barriers to its prompt administration," says Dr. Ian Young, Medical Director, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services. "The addition of intranasal epinephrine provides another evidence-based option that may reduce hesitation, increase confidence for responders, and improve patient acceptance of life-saving treatment."
The addition reflects broader conversations about epinephrine access in community settings. A recent Food Allergy Canada survey found that while 91 per cent of Canadians believe paramedics carry epinephrine devices to treat severe allergic reactions on scene, that confidence drops to 64 per cent for firefighters, highlighting uncertainty about who is equipped to act in those first critical minutes and a gap in how emergency response is understood.3
Residents with severe allergies should continue to carry their own prescribed epinephrine at all times. neffy® deployed by IFRS is for emergency response, it is not a substitute for a personal prescription. For anaphylaxis preparedness resources, speak with your healthcare provider or visit Food Allergy Canada.
About neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray)
neffy® 2 mg is a nasal spray designed to provide fast absorption of epinephrine. It is authorized in Canada for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) due to insect stings or bites, foods, medicinal products and other allergens as well as idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis in adult and pediatric patients who weigh 30 kg or greater. neffy® delivers a full, single dose of epinephrine in a user-friendly format, without the need for priming. It has a 30-month shelf life and no special storage requirements. Freezing does not affect its shelf life, however if it is accidentally frozen the nasal spray should be allowed to thaw for at least 1 hour before use, because it will not activate if frozen. The most frequently occurring adverse reactions (very common events ≥ 10%) observed in clinical studies of neffy® were reported only after a second 2 mg dose (4 mg total) and include throat irritation (18.8%), headache (17.6%), nasal discomfort (12.9%) and feeling jittery (10.6%).4 Full product and safety information is available in the neffy® Product Monograph.
About Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services
Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services (IFRS) is a team of career and volunteer firefighters who work 24/7 to serve our community. We help protect life and property from fire, hazards, and other emergencies through emergency response, public education and fire code enforcement.
References
- Food Allergy Canada. Food allergy FAQs. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- Government of Canada. Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions following vaccination: Canadian Immunization Guide. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- Food Allergy Canada. Canadians back wider access to epinephrine in public spaces, survey suggests. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- neffy® Product Monograph.