By Paul Goldfinger, MD. 7/2/25. Ocean Grove, NJ. Blogfinger.ner
We obtained this news from an OG resident who was present when this incident occurred on July 2, 2025. A large tree branch came down at Mt Tabor and New Jersey Avenue. The homeowner called for a tree service. Two workers showed up. One, up in the tree, cried out. He fell to the ground and hit his face. He said that he had been stung by a bee and lost his stance. Some neighbors ran to help him, and his state of consciousness was deteriorating.
They took him to some porch steps and called 911. He didn’t look good, very pale, and “his eyes rolled upwards.” He seemed to lose consciousness, and the neighbors felt helpless in trying to make him comfortable but at that moment they thought he was going to die.
Undoubtedly he was experiencing anaphylactic shock. It took about 15 minutes for the rapid responders to show up and give him a shot of epinephrine via an Epi-Pen. Sometimes more than one shot is needed.
I heard no follow-up but it is likely that he recovered.
The neighbors were furious that help was delayed. It was a disturbing experience for all the onlookers. One young man nearly passed out from witnessing what happened,
Of course the patient’s doctor would need to go over all related aspects of bee stings and allergic reactions. He would need to have EpiPens with him at all times and to learn how to use them. A prescription is required.
I am surprised that his employer did not have some Epi-Pens available on their work trucks and to be sure that all employees be educated in how to diagnose and treat such a life threatening medical emergency. Bystanders can give a shot even if the diagnosis is uncertain.
THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLE BEE: Rimsky-Korsikov. Philharmonic Orchestra.