The use of Epi-Pens by First Aiders
Whether a first aider can administer adrenaline to a casualty who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction is often raised on First Aid courses.
There are two very important laws that exist:
- No medication can be administered to a casualty by anyone other than a healthcare professional (e.g. Doctor, Nurse, Paramedic etc).
- Prescribed drugs are prescribed to a named individual and therefore cannot be administers or taken by anyone else. (for example giving someone who is suffering from asthmatic difficulties another persons inhaler).
The exception to these rules is the use of adrenaline via an auto-injector pen (such as an Epi-pen® or Ana-pen®).
Because of the life-threatening seriousness of an anaphylactic reaction to a casualty who has become exposed to an allergen and is displaying signs of reaction a lay-person who has received training on the use of auto-injector pens can and should – administer a casualty's adrenaline if the casualty has it with them.
The use of auto-injector pens is covered on all of our first aid courses. The Practice Nurse at your GP’s surgery will also be able to train you in the use of these pens.
As with all common medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy and diabetes etc.) the experts are those who live with the conditions; get to know the people you work with and ask them what they would do and how they manage their condition. Work with them to develop a simple procedure should an emergency occur.