Page 29 - Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings, 3rd Edition Revised

of position may lower their blood pressure, worsen their condition, and potentially result in their death.1,2 Additionally, emergency responders should be directed to the person (i.e. the person should be taken to the ambulance by stretcher, not walked out).
Accidental Injection
Epinephrine auto-injectors should be injected into the muscle of the mid-outer thigh. Before giving an injection, care should be taken to ensure that the needle end of the auto-injector is administered. If someone accidentally injects epinephrine into their fingers, thumb or any extremity, they should seek medical attention.
Disposal
Once the epinephrine auto-injector has been administered, the used device can be given to emergency medical personnel for proper disposal.
Auto-injector Trainer/Demonstrator
To avoid confusion, individuals should not carry an epinephrine auto-injector trainer or demonstrator (used for teaching) with their actual auto-injector, which contains medication and a needle. The auto- injector trainer or demonstrator could be mistaken for the medical device.
In Canada, the EpiPen® trainer is available from Pfizer Canada and some allergy associations.
Expiration Reminder Services
Pfizer Canada offers programs or services to assist individuals in keeping track of the expiration dates of their auto-injectors. Contact the company or visit the website for additional information.
References:
1. Simons FER et al. World Allergy Organization Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Anaphylaxis. WAO Journal 2011;4:13-37.
2. Pumphrey RSH. Fatal posture in anaphylactic shock. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2003;112:451-452.
Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings
© 2005-2016 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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Appendix A