Allergy and Epi-pen
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Transcript of Allergy and Epi-pen
Allergy & Epi-Pen Mandatory Training
What is an Allergy?
Allergies occur when the immune system becomesunusually sensitive and overreacts to commonsubstances that are normally harmless. Examples are:
Foods – most common tree nuts, especially peanuts and fish; also, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, sesame and some food additivesStings from bees, wasps, hornets and some antsMedications – penicillin, sulfa drugsExerciseLatex (gloves/medical devices)
What is Anaphylaxis?Occurs when a person is
exposed to an allergen causing a severe, life-threatening allergic response
Reactions can occur within seconds of exposure to an allergen, but can be delayed for 2-3 hours
Affects various organ systems including the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal
Why is this life-threatening?
Causes airway obstruction/lack of oxygen to the brain
Increases risk of SHOCK, which leads to widespread tissue damage, organ failure and eventually death
Common SymptomsSkin – hives , swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rashRespiratory (breathing) – wheezing, shortness of
breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing
Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, shock
Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom” and headache
If a child is allergic to nuts and he smells them, he may develop symptoms, but not a life-threatening reaction
FACTS ABOUT EPINEPHRINEMany people who are subject to
severe allergic reactions are prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector by their physician to use when such a reaction occurs.
Some examples of severe allergies:bee stings, peanut, nut and food allergies, latex products and shell fish
SYMPTOMS OF A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION Swelling of the face, tongue and/or lips IrritabilityLoss of consciousnessBreathing difficulty, wheezing or bothBluish color to the skin (cyanosis)Dizziness, faintnessFlushing of face, chest, etc.Tightness of throat and chestHard-to-find or weak pulse (circulatory
collapse)Seizures
Mild to Moderate Allergic Reaction : Hives and Swelling of
face
Anaphylaxis: What should I do?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can be as simple as tingling of the lips or as severe as cardiac arrest. When in doubt, administer epinephrine
If a person says they are having a reaction it is important to believe them, and immediately administer epinephrine regardless of the symptoms present
After giving the epinephrine, call the office to get the nurse and have them call 911-do not wait for the nurse
It is an emergency and the epinephrine must be given and 911 must be called
What is a Single Dose, Epinephrine Auto-injector?
A single dose auto-injector is an easy way to give epinephrine/adrenaline to someone having an allergic reaction
E.g. EpiPen®, Twinject®Trainers are available for practice
using- please see your school nurse.
FACTS ABOUT EPINEPHRINEEpinephrine has been prescribed for
patients who are susceptible to severe allergic reactions. Epinephrine is a hormone produced by the body.
When given as a medication, it will help to raise the blood pressure and improve profusion along with helping to open the airway and improve respiration.
EPINEPRHINEAUTO-INJECTORAdult/Child Dosage
Called the Epi-Pen and contains 0.30 mg of epinephrine
Small Child Dosage:Called the Epi-Pen Jr. and
contains 0.15 mg of epinephrine.
The appropriate dosage for the student will be written by his/her doctor or advanced practice nurse.
Epi-PenTHERE ARE NO CONTRAINDICATIONS
WHEN EPINEPHRINE IS USED IN A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY
SIDE EFFECTS:Increased heart rate, pallor, dizziness, chest pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, excitability and anxiety
IF NOT SURE TO USE EPI-PEN
If you are not sure, but the individual seems uncomfortable or in distress –
USE THE EPI-PEN
It is safer to use the Epi-Pen than to wait
EPI-PEN PROCEDURE Have someone else call 911 and
notify the parents. (In a school setting you should have a student inform the main office to alert school officials)
Check the Epi-Pen solution color – must be clear to use
Remove the gray safety cap from the Epi-Pen
EPI-PEN PROCEDURE Hold the Epi-Pen with the
black tip against the outer (lateral) area of the thigh muscle - this is the only area where the Epi-Pen is to be used
If accidentally injected into your hand or foot – go immediately to the emergency room
EPI-PEN PROCEDUREApply moderate pressure to hear
the “click” then hold for 10 seconds.
How the Epi-Pen delivers the medication:Pushing the Epi-Pen against the outer (lateral) thigh releases a spring-activated plunger, pushing the concealed needle into the thigh muscle and delivering a dose of epinephrine
EPI-PEN PROCEDURERemove the Epi-Pen and
massage the site (to prevent tissue damage)
If necessary, the Epi-Pen can be used directly through clothing
Be prepared to begin C.P.R.
EPI-PEN PROCEDUREStay with the individual, keeping
them warm and resting until emergency medical help arrives
IMPORTANT: send the Epi-Pen along with the E.M.T.’s
Make sure the parent/guardian has been called
EPI-PENThe effects of the injection can
wear off after 10-20 minutes. Symptoms can recur.
What to do after giving a single dose auto-injector? Make sure someone stays with the person
Have person lie still on his back with feet higher than the head
Loosen tight clothing and cover person with whatever is available-coat/blanket
If there is vomiting, turn person on side to prevent choking
Don’t give anything to drink
Send used auto-injector with student to hospital
A Twinject has two doses-one on each end-staff may only give one
Who Can Give the Epi-Pen?All staff are required to be able to give the
epi-pen when neededEpi-Pen trainers are always available to
borrow and practice or get 1:1 training by the nurse-they are easy to use once trained
Students with anaphylaxis and epi-pens keep their epi-pens with them or in the main office
Epi-pens must go on all field trips that an anaphylactic student attends
See the school nurses for a refresher course or to practice using Epi-Pen