Dillon’s Tragedy Becomes Dillon’s Law

*This blog is part one of a series from Dr. Markman on the topic of advocacy, access to epinephrine, and the fight to see Dillon’s Law passed nationally in 2025. If you are passionate on this issue, have questions, or would like to get involved, please reach out to Dr. Markman directly at lenmarkman@gmail.com. 

It was a nice October day in rural Wisconsin in 2014. 18-year-old Dillon Mueller was helping a friend with yard work. He was that kind of kid--always helping somebody and having fun doing it. An Eagle Scout, co-captain of the football team, a champion motocross racer, honor student, and most importantly a friend to anyone who needed one.  He was all that and more.  He was also proud and happy  to be taking over as the fifth generation at Mueller Dairy Farm.   

While helping his friend he got stung once, by a single bee. He had never had any allergic reactions, so of  course he kept working.  Soon he  developed hives,  became  short of breath, and got weak. His friend called 911. The first responders arrived quickly, but they did not have the medication, epinephrine, that could have saved Dillon’s life. Instead they witnessed a terrible tragedy. When Dillon became nonresponsive, they started CPR. When the paramedics arrived from a nearby city it was too late.   Dillon  was placed on artificial cardiopulmonary support.  

After a week the difficult decision to discontinue it was made, and Dillon did not survive. His parents are very proud that when Dillon was 16 he made the decision to be an organ donor. Over 30 people have benefited from his  final gift. He would be very happy that even in death he could help others. 
 
Dillon’s story sparked action by the Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. Osteopathic physicians have worked hard to create new state legislation called Dillon’s Law, which was signed into law in Wisconsin in 2023. 

This law allows any individual in Wisconsin to be trained in the use of epinephrine, obtain it, and use it to save a person having a severe allergic reaction.  All people involved are covered under the state Good Samaritan liability law. ACOFP submitted a letter supporting the national passage of Dillon’s Law in 2023. The law was introduced but not voted on in the 2023-2024 Congress.  
 
The Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons has gone on to create the first state-approved  hands-on anaphylaxis training program. All programs are free. Over 3000 people have been trained and at least fifteen lives have been saved.  Dillon’s parents have become  amazing   anaphylaxis instructors. Last year they led over forty-six different anaphylaxis training courses! They are determined to prevent the tragedy they faced from happening to you,  your family, or your patients.   
 
In the near future, I will share more about my advocacy journey and how osteopathic physicians in Minnesota and Indiana have also created versions of Dillon’s law in their states.    

Imagine: these laws created by osteopathic physicians will stand in perpetuity, and so many lives will be saved.   This is osteopathic leadership,  distinctiveness, and determination that focuses on preventative medicine and takes positive action to help protect everyone.  We have more work to do,  but wow, what a start!  

If you have comments or questions related to Dillon’s Law, please contact me.