Epipen ppt - Big Sandy ISD

Anaphylaxis=Killer Allergy ☻Who is at risk?

Anyone, especially those allergic to food such as peanuts, tree nut, seafood, fish, milk or egg, or to insect bites, latex or medications. ☻ When can it happen? Within minutes, anytime the allergic person comes in contact with his or her trigger. ☻How do we know? Several symptoms occur at the same time, such as: itching, hives, flushing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, or shock. ☻Where can it happen? Anywhere ☻What should we do? Inject epinephrine, call 911 , and notify the students family (in that order)! Act quickly. Anaphylaxis can be mild, or fatal. ☻Why is follow-up needed? Anaphylaxis can occur repeatedly. The trigger needs to be confirmed, and long-term preventive strategies need to be implemented.

EpiPen Administration This program has been designed for the school staff members to be educated on the administration of the EpiPen.

Epinephrine  The EpiPen contains Epinephrine used to treat allergic

reactions.  It quickly constricts blood vessels, raising the blood pressure and heart rate.  It relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing.  It works to reverse the hives and swelling around the face and lips.

How the EpiPen is stored? It is stored at room temperature. Do not freeze, refrigerate. It should be keep in the box and not exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.

The 5 rights of EpiPen Administration  Right student  Right medication  Right dose

 Right route  Right time

Right student  Identify the student with the known allergy.  Introduce yourself personally to the student.  Explain to the student that you are here to help them.

 The EpiPen can only be given to the student/person it

is prescribe for.

Right Medication  Epinephrine is available in an auto injector called

EpiPen.  Identify the medication before injecting

Right dose  The EpiPen comes in two doses and the Doctor will

prescribe according to the weight of the child/adult.

Right route  The EpiPen is administered into the large outer thigh

muscles  It can be given through clothes. (watch for the seams on jeans)

Right time  Based on the students symptoms

example: hives spreading over the body, wheezing, swallowing or breathing difficulty, swelling in the neck, face, tongue, paleness/gray color around the mouth, loss of consciousness.

Steps for administrating the EpiPen  Have student lie down 

Look at the directions on the EpiPen 1. Form fist around injector-black tip down. 2. With your other hand, pull off gray cap. 3. Hold black tip near outer thigh. 4. Jab firmly into outer thigh at 90 degree angle. 5. Hold firmly in the thigh for 10 seconds. 6. Remove and massage the injection site. 7. Save EpiPen for EMS.

The EpiPen buys about 15 minutes of time…….  Send for help.  If child stops breathing start the steps of CPR.

REMEMBER  Document the time of administration  Save the EpiPen for EMS!!!  Have someone notify the school nurse, and principle

IMMEDIATELY.  NEVER USE THE EPIPEN ON ANYONE EXCEPT THE STUDENT IT IS PRESCRIBED FOR…..