Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition

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).
Appendix A
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 autoinjector
trainer or demonstrator could be mistaken for the medical device.
In Canada, the EpiPen ® trainer is available from Pfizer Canada and some allergy associations, and the
Allerject training device is available from Sanofi Canada.
Expiration Reminder Services
Pfizer Canada and Sanofi Canada offer programs or services to assist individuals in keeping track of
the expiration dates of their auto-injectors. Contact the companies or visit their websites 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
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