HelpingBelton ISD

Students SucceedWhat Every BISD Staff Needs to Know About:

Belton ISDHealth Services

2012-2013Medication Administration

Epipen Injection

Medication Administration

Epipen Injection

• Epipens are automatic injection devices that contain a singe dose of epinephrine which is used to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis

• Refer to the student’s Emergency Care Plan for additional instructions on what to do when the student has a severe allergic reaction. This plan always includes calling 911 when an Epipen is given

Medication Administration

Epipen Injection

• Hold the Epipen firmly with the tip pointing downward

• Hold cylinder in your fist with your thumb toward the tip of the tip. Do not touch the tip

• Remove the gray safety cap• Place the tip on the outside are of the thigh at

a right angle to the leg ( It can be injected through clothing)

Medication Administration

Epipen Injection

• Raise your hand way from the child’s leg, and with a quick motion, bring it firmly to the child’s outer thigh. By pressing the pen firmly against the thigh, a spring-activated mechanism will cause a needle to inject the epinephrine. Keep the device firmly in this position for 10 seconds

• Remove the Epipen and massage the area for 10 seconds. Check the tip to see if the needle is showing, if it is not, you must follow the above step again

Medication Administration

Epipen Injection

• Follow the Emergency Plan to give a second Epipen if indicated

• Be aware that the effects of medication may wear off in 10-20 minutes. Effects of the allergen can recur or continue for several hours. This makes it especially important that anyone who has received epinephrine be cared for by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and taken to the nearest hospital as soon as possible

• Send the used Epipen with EMS personnel so that emergency room personnel can see what was administered