Do You Know how to Use your Auto Injector?

A Life Saving Exercise 

Recently I met a lady who has an allergy to bees and as the conversation progressed I came to understand that not only did she not know how to self administer her Epipen in an emergency, she did not know how to open the container, and if in fact it was an Epipen, Twinjet or Ana-kit.

Here are Instructions

If you are reading this and you don't know how to administer you or your child's Epipen or Twinjet - here are the instructions:

How to administer a Twinjet :    http://www.twinject.com/

How to administer an Epipen :  http://www.epipen.com/how-to-use-epipen

Being practical (most of the time) – there is nothing like the real thing – and having actually been involved in a class where expired Epipens were used to save an “anaphylactic” orange – it was a good experience for when I had to deal with a real emergency!  The instructor told us she accidentally injected herself once during a demonstration and of course if this ever happens always (in Canada) telephone :

9 – 1 – 1

A few more points

• You will feel more confident, if an emergency arises, if you have experience using the type of needle which has been prescribed. If you are unable to find a class in your area ask your family physician for assistance.
• Keep an expired syringe to use as a demonstrator (under certified or professional guidance) instead of returning it to your pharmacy.
• For simplicity sake, having administered both – I prefer the Twin Jet, as it appears simpler and quicker, although it has been some years since using the Ana-kit.
• My husband has self administered his Twinjet when alone (while travelling) and said he did not wait as there is concern that he would not have had the energy to do so after time.
• It goes without saying of course – you will have a medic alert bracelet – and contact numbers available for yourself or a child.

Like a good scout – it really is best to be prepared in this situation and also the Life you save might be your own, and remember:

Always call 9 – 1 – 1 after administering an Epipen

Notes

• Information on Ana-kit not readily available.  If this is your medication of choice - request information from your physician.
• There is a cost involved if you do not have medical coverage.  We are most fortunate that our kits are 100% covered in Canada.

Important 

• The information contained in this blog is based on personal opinion and experiences and is not to be misconstrued in any way as health care advice but is provided for interest and hopefully learning purposes.
• Always seek qualified medical care and guidance if you think you have a health concern.  The author assumes no responsibility for all content including information from other sources.
• Epipen, Twinjet are trade names for Epinephrine auto injectors