Proper Use & Care
It's a cold day and you are skiing. Where should you keep your EpiPens so they don't get too cold?
In pockets or under layers of clothes to keep them warm.
Name three common allergy triggers.
Answers can include: peanuts, soy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts, latex, etc.
Why do you carry your auto-injector with you?
So that if you were ever in the situation that you needed it, it would be readily available.
If you feel unsafe or unsure about a food you're being offered, what can you do?
Talk to who is offering it to you about your allergy. Explain to them why you can't take the food if you don't fully know the ingredients.
What should you take note of to tell the doctor after injecting your EpiPen?
The time
Where can you check the expiration date of an EpiPen?
On the tube and on the pen itself.
Does everyone have the same reactions or symptoms to an allergen?
No. Reactions vary depending on the person.
You're allergic to peanuts and your friend offers you a cookie during lunch. He says that he doesn't think there are peanuts in them, but you know that his mother made them so he couldn't be totally sure. What can you say or do?
Kindly decline the offer and explain to him that you have an allergy.
Who should you inform at a restaurant that you have an allergy?
Call beforehand and speak to the manager and/or the chef about your allergies. Make sure they have foods that you can eat or they can accommodate for your allergy. When you're at the restaurant, at least let your server know and speak to either the chef or manager as well if possible.
Where should the injection be placed?
Into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg).
What color should the liquid be in the injector?
Clear
You don't think you were in contact with an allergen, however you're experiencing similar symptoms to a prior allergic reaction. Is it okay to ignore your symptoms because you don't believe you were in contact with your allergen?
No, you should carefully think about what you were in contact with and speak with an adult.
Can you explain cross-contamination?
It can occur when a small amount of a food allergen gets into another food accidentally, or when it is present in saliva, on a surface, or on an object. This small amount of an allergen could cause an allergic reaction.
What is a medical alert bracelet?
A bracelet with the medical emblem which indicates that the wearer has an important medical condition that might require immediate attention.
How long should you press and hold the injector in for your EpiPen? (Depends on the epinephrine)
3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds
When you go swimming, it's okay to leave your EpiPen in your pocket because it has the protective carrier tube. (True/False)?
False
What are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Coughing, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, stomach pain, vomiting, wheezing, shortness of breath.
When you're eating dinner at a friend's house, you don't need to tell the person cooking about your food allergy. (True/False)?
False. Make sure the person who is cooking is aware of your allergy and that nothing contains your allergen.
Your doctor, your parents, the school nurse.
When you're having an allergic reaction, should you inject the EpiPen first or call 911 first?
If you are alone, inject then call. If possible, tell someone to call 911 while you're injecting if you are not alone.
When you go on a field trip, you don't have to bring your EpiPen with you if you know you won't be eating or be in contact with a different allergen. (True/False)?
False
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe allergic reaction to an allergen like foods, medications, latex, insect bites and stings, etc.
What are some ways to prevent an allergic reaction?
Reading ingredients, informing others of your allergies, wearing a medical alert bracelet, communicate with your family, the school nurse, friends, and teachers,
Approximately how often does an EpiPen expire?
Each new EpiPen should have a minimum of 12 months before expiring.
Should you leave your auto-injector home or take it with you to the hospital after using it?
Take it with you.