How to use an EpiPen

This resource must accompany the BSACI EpiPen treatment plan.

If your child is experiencing any of the severe reactions on their treatment plan, and they need their EpiPen, follow these instructions:

Lay your child down on the floor. If their breathing is difficult allow your child to sit. Do not stand your child up.
Administer the EpiPen into the outer thigh as demonstrated, and hold in place for 3 seconds.
If possible elevate their legs on a cushion or pillow to help the blood flow around the body.
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance, telling the operator your child has Anaphylaxis (ana-fil-ax-is)
Stay with your child until the ambulance arrives.
Keep your child lying flat, even if they feel better. If your child vomits or feels sick, place them on their side, in the recovery position.
If your child has not improved after 5 minutes, or if the EpiPen has not activated, give your child another EpiPen dose.
Wait for the ambulance to arrive and tell them you have used your EpiPen.

Please visit this site for a video on how to give and EpiPen and check the expiry.

Contact us

If you have any non-emergency questions or concerns please contact the allergy team 9am to 5pm between Monday to Friday:

Allergy nurses on 0114 226 7872, or
Secretaries on 0114 226 7869

Is something missing from this resource that you think should be included? Please let us know

Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

Allergy Children, parents and carers Medications Strategies Article

Resource number: ALG27

Resource Type: Article

How to use an EpiPen

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