Epipen for Anaphylaxis/ Severe Allergic REaction

I just came across this interesting auto-injecting pen of adrenaline/epinephrine for those with a history of severe allergic reactions. This can be life saving.

Epipen Website

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a natural hormone released in response to stress. It is a natural "antidote" to the chemicals released during severe allergic reactions tiggered by drug allergy, food allergy or insect stings. It is destroyed by enzymes in the stomach, and so needs to be injected. When injected, it rapidly reverses the effects of a severe allergic reaction by reducing throat swelling, opening the airways, and maintaining blood pressure.

How to Use the EpiPen Autoinjector

Intact and dismantled EpiPen to show the spring, needle and syringe that is enclosed within the device.

		1. Remove the device from its protective container
		2. Then remove the grey cap from the fatter end of the device (this "arms the unit" ready for use)
		3. Hold the EpiPen in your fist with clenched fingers wrapped around it (NB: there is nothing to "push" at the white end) Press the black tip gently against the skin of the mid thigh, then start to push harder until a loud "click" is heard. This means that the device has been activated. Hold in place for 10-15 seconds (count "1 elephant, 2 elephants 10 elephants) while the adrenaline is injected under pressure. NB: The EpiPen "pop" is often quite loud.
		4. Remove the pen from the thigh; be careful with the needle that will now be projecting from the EpiPen when you dispose of the device. Massage in the adrenaline. There may be some slight bleeding at the injection site. Apply firm pressure with a cloth, tissue, clean handkerchief or bandage. Record the time that the EpiPen was given. Call for help. DISPOSE of the used EpiPen carefully.

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