How to Use an EpiPen: A Life-Saving Guide for Severe Allergic Reactions
Worldwide, the incidence of severe allergies is increasing, so we need to learn how to help those suffering from anaphylaxis
An EpiPen is an autoinjector device that contains epinephrine. You can use it to administer the drug to a person experiencing anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Breathing difficulties
Hives and swelling
Itching
Weakness
Trouble swallowing
Dizziness
Nausea
How to use an EpiPen
Grasp the EpiPen with the orange tip down.
Remove the blue safety cap.
Press the orange tip to the mid-outer thigh until you hear a click.
Hold for 3 seconds.
Remember:
Blue to the sky,
Orange to the thigh.
How an EpiPen Helps
Epinephrine reduces your body’s allergic reaction by:
Relaxing muscles in your airways to ease breathing
Reversing the fast, dangerous blood pressure drop
Relaxing the muscles in the stomach, intestines, and bladder
Call EMS/911 immediately after using the EpiPen and get medical aid fast.
The effects of epinephrine can wear off. If allergy symptoms continue or worsen, you can use another EpiPen 5 to 15 minutes after the first one. If a third dose is necessary, this should only be given under medical supervision.
Watch this four-minute video for instructions, demonstrations and further information about anaphylaxis and how to use an EpiPen.
If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and visit EpiPen.ca for more information about severe allergic reactions.
Side note here: Actually, literally life saving. Once given, just know that the person will be shivering, and might feel cold. If you've never seen or felt it, it may be alarming, but it's perfectly natural.
The way I used to remember it is Epinephrine is Adrenaline, the same drug class as caffeine (3 letters on the end of both words tell you). Their strengths are obviously different, but the effect the person has is as though they just drank like 10 pots of very strong coffee all at once. Adrenaline is your fight or flight drug, too. You might feel lik e you just fought a dinosaur.