PSA on epinephrine injectors
trigger warnings: allergies, allergy symptoms, anaphylaxis, mention of hospitals
allergies:
— what does "anaphylactic" mean? for that matter, why do allergies occur? — an allergy is basically the body's immune system overreacting to something that isn't actually dangerous to it. these overreactions can vary from irritating to life-threatening. — having an anaphylactic allergy is when the body overreacts to such a point that the person's throat closes up, and prevents them from breathing—so they die from anaphylaxis, or not being able to breathe.
if you know a friend who has an anaphylactic allergy:
— first and foremost: ask your friends what their allergens are. what are they allergic to? — ask your friends what their symptoms are! this is useful in recognizing if they're having an allergic reaction. — for example, if someone touches an allergen (but doesn't consume it) symptoms may include (but are not limited to): — swelling — hives — if someone ingests an allergen (actually consumes it) symptoms may include (but are not limited to): — swelling around the lips — itchiness around the lips and/or inside the mouth — vomiting — wheezing — coughing — being unable to breathe — again, neither of these are comprehensive lists, just some common examples, so ask your friends about their allergic symptoms — ask your friend where they keep their epinephrine. usually in the form of an auto-injector such as epi-pen or allerject, epinephrine will reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
what to do in case of a reaction
— your friend probably carries an epinephrine auto-injector with them, either in the form of an epi-pen (long, cylindrical object that looks a little bit like a pen) or an allerject (a flat box). locate the device.
— for an epi-pen: — open the lid and remove the epi-pen from the case. keep the case so you have somewhere to put the used epi-pen afterwards. — remove the blue cap at the top of the epi-pen. — the epi-pen should be injected in the upper thigh. remove any clothing that covers the area. — inject the epi-pen (orange bottom end goes into the thigh). hold it in place for five full seconds. you should hear a click, which means the epinephrine has injected. — put the pen back into the case. — drive your friend to the hospital, or call for an ambulance. they should be monitored for at least 4-8 hours for symptoms.
— for an allerject: — an allerject will actually give you verbal instructions on how to inject it. in case that it doesn't work, follow below: — remove the allerject from the case. (pull from the top of the device.) — remove the black cap at the bottom of the allerject. — the allerject should be injected in the upper thigh. remove any clothing that covers the area. — inject the allerject, bottom end first. hold for five seconds. you should hear a click, which means the epinephrine has been injected. — put the allerject safely away. — drive your friend to the hospital. they should be monitored for symptoms for at least 4-8 hours afterwards.
stay safe out there my friends <3
