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Determining the number of AAIs needed Who can use the emergency AAI?
The number of AAIs a school requires It can only be used by children who have
depends on several factors, including the been either been prescribed an AAI for
number of children diagnosed with severe anaphylaxis or serious allergy or who
allergies, the size of the school, and its have a care plan provided by a doctor
layout. Larger schools or those spread recommending the use of an AAI. Parental
across multiple sites will need more AAIs to consent must also have been given for the
ensure all allergic children have easy access use of the emergency AAI. This ensures that
to an emergency device. parents are informed and agree to the use
of the device in case of an emergency.
Choosing the right brand of AAI
Children who have been prescribed a
In the UK, schools can choose between specific brand of AAI can still use the
two brands of AAIs: Epipen and Jext. Each emergency AAI if their own device is not
has different strengths and administration available as it will help to relieve their
methods. The Department of Health symptoms and could save their life.
advises schools to stock only one brand
to minimise confusion during training Find out more at
and administration. If most pupils use a https://tinyurl.com/3vxxehsk
particular brand, it’s sensible for the school
to stock that one. Regardless of the choice, Processing school requisitions
it’s essential that designated school staff
are well-trained in using the device. When processing a requisition from a
school, make an entry in the Prescription
Selecting the appropriate strength of AAI Only Medicine (POM) register with the
following details:
AAIs come in strengths of 150mcg,
300mcg, or 500mcg. Schools should be • The date the supply was made
aware of the prescribed strength for each
pupil and ensure they have the correct • Name, quantity, formulation, and
AAI available. The Resuscitation Council strength of the product supplied
recommends the following age-based • Name and address of the person and
criteria: school to whom the device was supplied
• The reason for the supply
• Children under 6 years: 150mcg • It’s good practice to record the brand of
adrenaline the device supplied
• Children aged 6-12 years: 300mcg
adrenaline Remember, you don’t need to label the
• Children aged 12 years and over: medicine before supplying it as it is not for
a specific person.
300mcg or 500mcg adrenaline
Cost of the requisition
Storing AAIs safely
This is a private transaction, so it is down
AAIs should be stored in a secure, central to the pharmacy to agree a price with the
location like the school office or staff room, school but make sure you add VAT at 20%.
easily accessible to all staff but out of
reach of children. An AAI may be required at
multiple locations. To ensure easy access in
an emergency the AAI should not be locked
away. The storage location chosen by the Still not sure?
school should be known to all staff and Get in touch with the
should be an area that all staff have free team on
access to at all times. They should be kept information.services@
at room temperature not exceeding 25˚ C, numark-central.co.uk
protected from direct sunlight and extreme or by calling 0800
temperatures. Emergency AAIs should be 783 5709 (option 2).
stored separately from individual devices
and clearly labelled to avoid confusion.
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P4403.59-V69 Numark Pharmacy Magazine october.indd 35
P4403.59-V69 Numark Pharmacy Magazine october.indd 35 11/09/2025 13:25:46
