Administering Epinephrine

What is Epinephrine?

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland during a fight or flight response that increases heart rate and converts glycogen to glucose.1 When injected into the bloodstream, it can be used to reverse the effects of an anaphylactic reaction. 

How to Administer Epinephrine

Although there are several brands that produce epinephrine auto injectors, they generally work the same way. The video below demonstrates how each of the most common auto injectors work.2 

General Instructions

To avoid accidental injection when handling an auto injector, it is important not to touch the tip because it contains the needle inside. 

1.  Epinephrine should be injected in the middle of the outer thigh while the leg is firmly being held in place. The needle can penetrate through clothing. A “click” sound signals that the injection has begun. 

2. EpiPen, one of the most common epinephrine auto injector brands, instructs the user to hold the injector in place for three seconds, however the time can vary up to ten seconds based on the brand. 

3. Some injectors state that once the injector is removed from the thigh, the injection site should be gently massaged in a circular motion for ten seconds to help stimulate blood flow.3

Note: All epinephrine auto injectors come with a set of instructions inside the box or on the injector itself. 

4. After administering epinephrine, it is crucial to get medical assistance right away, regardless if the person feels better, because a second wave of symptoms can occur.4 If symptoms continue or worsen after five to fifteen minutes, administer a second dose of epinephrine.5  

Any delay could mean the difference between life and death. 

Click here to access our full epinephrine training curriculum!

The Impact of Epinephrine

Due to its unpredictable nature, it is imperative to fully understand anaphylaxis in order to reduce fatalities.

These are just two examples of precious lives lost due to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis claims an estimate of five hundred lives per year in the United States.10 The unimaginable despair faced by Oakley and Sabrina’s families fueled their passion to create change. No one should ever have to endure such a traumatic loss. Both Oakley and Sabrina lost their lives too soon, but their legacy continues to live on. These heart wrenching stories serve as a reminder to all that education is crucial in preventing such tragedies. 

Anaphylaxis is a killer that can be stopped. 

Educating oneself on anaphylaxis can be life saving. 

The faster one can recognize the signs and treat someone undergoing anaphylaxis, the more likely they will survive.

Knowing how to correctly inject epinephrine can ultimately reverse the reaction and give one a fighting chance to live. 

No one should have to live in fear. 

Through allergy awareness, the world can be a safer place for all.