How To Administer An Epinephrine Shot And What To Do Afterward

5 May 2018
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

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A bee sting allergy can be a very scary thing. Some symptoms of a bee sting allergy include facial swelling and redness, swelling of the tongue, trouble breathing or swallowing, vomiting or diarrhea, rash, weakness, or even loss of consciousness. These can all be very scary to see or have happen to you. If you or someone you love has a bee sting allergy, it's important to know how to administer an EpiPen shot, as well as what you should do after. Read on for helpful instructions.

Administering An Epipen Shot

If someone has been stung by a bee that is allergic, it's important to give an epinephrine shot immediately to get the medication into the system and prevent the symptoms from getting too severe. A person that is allergic to bee stings can have symptoms so severe that they can actually cause death. 

  1. Find the EpiPen; a person that is allergic usually carries an EpiPen with them. Children may have them in their backpack, in their classroom, or stored at the nurse's office. Find the EpiPen as quickly as possible, as time is very important.
  2. Take the EpiPen and hold it in your fist. Remove the grey safety cap from the end.
  3. Holding the EpiPen in your fist, place the black end next to the outer thigh at about the middle of the thigh.
  4. Press the EpiPen into the thigh firmly until you hear it click. Hold it in place for ten seconds.
  5. Then remove the Epipen without touching the exposed needle.

The EpiPen shot will help, but only for so long. You still need medical attention after receiving an epinephrine shot. 

What To Do After An Epinephrine Shot Is Administered

After the EpiPen shot is given, it's important to get medical attention. More epinephrine may be necessary. 

  1. Call 9-1-1 immediately after giving an epinephrine shot. Be sure to let the operator know that an epinephrine shot was given, how long ago it was given, and that you need an ambulance sent immediately that has more epinephrine on board.
  2. In the meantime, be sure to keep the legs of the patient up and the patient laying down. If the patient is vomiting, have them lay on their side instead.
  3. The Epipen needs to be taken to the hospital or take it to some other medical facility to be disposed of properly.
  4. Give as much information to the emergency physician as possible. 

Administering an epinephrine shot needs to be done properly to ensure the medication is given to the individual promptly. Knowing how to give the shot is important, as is what you need to do after you give it. You could be saving someone's life. Check out a website like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com for more information and assistance.