Learn how to use an Epi Pen today!

When to use an Epi Pen/ Actions to Take

An Epi Pen is to be used when a person is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms from an anaphylactic reaction can be immediate and occur within seconds, or have a delayed onset and take minutes or even hours to fully develop.

How to identify if an Epi Pen is necessary:

If you are in a situation where someone may require an Epi Pen, the very first thing to consider is what happened. Is it safe? Are there any others around that can help you? 

The next step is to check the person for signals; if they are conscious, ask them if they have a history of any allergies and if they know what happened. If they cannot answer, look for medical identification. Please refer to the “What is Anaphylaxis” page for a detailed list of symptoms to be aware of.

If you believe that they are in anaphylactic shock, make sure it is safe enough to move them away from the suspected allergen. If this is not possible, move the allergen. 

If there is another person that can help, have them call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency contact (EMS).

Before administering the Epi Pen, ask the patient if they have already had a dose of epinepherine. (A second dose of epinepherine is only to be administered if EMS is delayed or if their symptoms continue to worsen after a couple of minutes.)

How to properly administer an Epi-Pen on another person:

• Step 1: Firmly grasp the autoinjector in your dominant hand, with the orange end pointed downwards. (The orange end is where the needle will come from) 
• Step 2: Pull straight upwards on the blue safety cap with your other hand, and make sure to keep your fingers away from the orange tip containing the needle. 
• Step 3: Hold the autoinjector at a 90 degree angle over the patient’s thigh (the orange tip is perpendicular to the outer thigh) and in one smooth motion forcefully insert the orange tip containing the needle directly into the outer thigh (over the clothing). When completed properly, you will hear a click indicating that the autoinjector has been triggered; make sure to hold the Epi Pen in place for seven to ten seconds to ensure that the medicine has been fully administered. 
• Step 4: Carefully remove the Epi Pen from their thigh and DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. Place it inside of a container or keep it off to the side so medical services can collect it and properly dispose.
• Step 5: Gently massage the injection site. Observe how the person is responding to the dose of epinephrine; re-check their breathing, and help ease their anxiety. If after five to ten minutes EMS has not arrived and there is no improvement, or there was initial improvement but their condition worsens, administer a second dose of epinephrine. 
• Step 6: Once help arrives, be prepared to tell the paramedics EVERYTHING. Mention why you used an Epi Pen, how many doses you gave, what time you administered them, how the patient responded, and what the suspected allergen was. Remember to also lead them to where you carefully placed the used Epi Pen(s).