Manchester airport security pours life-saving fluid on boy because he broke the 100ml rule

The mother of a teenager with a severe peanut allergy has spoken out and called for procedural changes after her life-saving antihistamine medication was confiscated during security checks at Manchester Airport.

Emma Wakefield said she was worried at the thought of her 14-year-old son Ben going on a school trip to Italy as his allergies had previously left him seriously ill in hospital.

So in preparation, she packed two batches of allergy medicine, along with a paper prescription, a signed doctor’s letter, and a copy of Ben’s care plan. He was also given a hidden sunflower lanyard to wear to the airport.

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But Emma said that at security, Ben’s medication – a 150ml bottle in his bag – was confiscated and thrown away without his teacher being consulted. The bag was rejected in an x-ray scan because of the glass.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Ben’s cord was hidden from view under his clothes at the time and he did not speak to or present the paper prescription, signed doctor’s letter or care plan to the security staff.

He had also broken up with a teacher at the time who was not with him when he went through security and there was no prescription label on the vial. It was an over the counter brand.

Manchester Airport confirmed it had investigated the incident and viewed CCTV and was now in contact with Ben’s family. In Italy, Ben had an allergic reaction to an apple, which was treated with a second batch of medication stored in his suitcase.

Mum-of-two Emma, ​​44, from Derby, said Ben did not make a complaint at the time and his teachers were not aware until they landed in Italy.

She said: “I was worried he was going to leave because of his allergies, so I followed all the instructions very carefully. The security worker did not check with Ben’s teacher or consult his doctor’s letter or his care. He simply saw that Ben had too much liquid and poured it.

“That decision could have had tragic consequences. Ben boarded a flight without all the medication he needed and was in danger. At the very least, security workers should not make decisions for children without at least informing their adult.”

Ben’s condition was diagnosed at the age of two after his arm swelled up when he got peanut butter on it. His condition was well managed, but at age 10, he suffered a severe reaction to a nougat stick. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and placed in critical care while doctors stabilized his condition.

Emma, ​​a teacher, added: “When the school trip came around, I wanted them to go and enjoy themselves, but I was also worried.”

She said she followed Manchester Airport’s guidance when packing Ben’s medication.

Emma said: “I packed two sets of medicine, one in my carry-on, one in the hold, so if she had any problems at the airport or on the journey she would have her epipen and 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 continued. An airplane is a high-risk environment for Ben, there’s little ventilation and there are people eating in close proximity. It’s scary to think he made that trip without the right medication.”

Ben landed safely in Italy but needed a second batch of medication to treat the reaction to the apple.

Emma has now called for a change in procedure going forward. A Manchester Airport spokesman confirmed the airport had been in contact with the family.

Liquid containers must not hold more than 100ml according to the rules. The Manchester Evening News has contacted the school for comment.