How to Administer an EpiPen

Everyone knows the saying, "You learn something new every day." Well today, for your friends, should be the day they learn important food allergies information on how to use an EpiPen. Everyone who has severe food allergies should carry one or all of the following: antihistamine, EpiPen, inhaler. The people around them should know how to administer all of those three in the event that the person cannot do it themselves. The correct way to use an EpiPen whether it be on yourself or another person is the following:

1. Call an ambulance right away. Going to the hospital as soon as possible is the first priority for someone having an allergic reaction. Preferably have someone else do it while you administer the injection because the sooner it is received, the quicker the person can recover from the reaction.

2. Take the EpiPen out of the carrying case make sure NOT to touch the orange tip. Older versions of the EpiPen may have a black tip.

3. Remove the safety cap on the end of the EpiPen. In this case it is the blue part on the top of it. Older versions of the EpiPen may have a grey cap.

4. With some force, firmly holding the EpiPen, use a stabbing motion administer the orange side it to the thigh of the person experiencing the reaction. Older versions of the EpiPen may have a black tip.

5. Hold it there for 10 seconds to make sure all of the epinephrine enters the body. Then firmly message the area that the needle was inserted to for 10 seconds.

6. If the needle is protruding out of the EpiPen then the dose was recieved. If not, redo all previous steps.

7. Place the EpiPen into the carrying case with the tip side going in the case first so as to not have the needle facing outwards to avoid an accidental injection.

8. Administer to all the needs of the person and make sure they are breathing fine, have water near by if needed, and give them any necessary antihistamines.

In case of an emergency, do not panic. I know it may seem like the situation may go south really fast, but panicking will make it even worse. If you follow these easy steps when your services are needed, it can be the difference between life and death for yourself or someone else having a reaction. Once again, always remember to call that ambulance because getting to the hospital is by far the most important thing for someone having a reaction.