DEAR USERS OF TUMBLR
I have an important piece of info DIRECT from an EMT regarding usage of an epi-pen in the case of an anaphylactic shock level allergic reaction.
The fact tossed around that "If you administer an epi-pen, you MUST rush the person to the hospital immediately afterwards" IS A MYTH.
If you or someone nearby is experiencing an allergic reaction that can or is resulting in anaphylactic shock, HIT THE EPI-PEN IMMEDIATELY.
*REGARDLESS* of if you have the means to go to the hospital!!!
It's actually a misconception that goes around that an epi-pen can hurt a person MORE if administered without the followthrough and, IN FACT, it is very possible to administer it and not NEED to go to the hospital.
YOU SHOULD go to the hospital. It is ALWAYS important to go... if you have the ability!
But there is a misconception I have seen that epinephrine administered for an extreme allergic reaction can kill the person if used WITHOUT the follow up at the hospital.
Direct from EMT:
Not using the Epipen IMMIEDATLY upon need will be the thing that kills you. NOT the epi-pen itself. The follow up is to make sure you don't cycle back into the shock after using the epi-pen.
So please USE THE EPI PENS GUYS
That thing of "An Epi-pen injection can kill a person if used without immediately rushing them to the hospital" is telling it wrong. The need for follow-through is because anaphylactic shock can CYCLE for DAYS after the initial event. You need to get into med-managed treatment to prevent the relapse as the allergens leave your system. But if there is no immediate way to get to the hospital?
Inject the pen Call 911
They will get you where you need to be AFTER the medicine is in your system. This has been a public service announcement from someone who just had a stern lecture from a kind EMT that was frustrated about why I was holding the Epipen and not USING it as I was drowning on dry land.
