Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

3 Airway and Breathing

5.

When the auto injector ‘clicks’, hold it in place for ten seconds (five seconds if administering Allerject ®) to deliver the medication, then remove, pulling straight out. Massage injection site for 10 seconds. Dispose of the “epi-pen” in a proper biohazard sharps container if possible. Call 911. Advise 911 dispatch of the patient’s signs and symptoms and advise that one auto injector has been administered. A second dose may be given if the first does is not effective after 5 minutes.

First Aider in Action: Part 4 Cindy’s airway is still patent, and although she is having difficulty breathing, she is able to talk and her colour is good. You decide to wait with Cindy and see how she progresses. As you reassure Cindy and keep her calm, you ask to see her inhaler. The container appears undamaged, but when you check the expiry date you see it has passed by almost six months. Asking if she has a second one, Cindy tells you she ‘has a bunch’ and must have taken this one by mistake. Checking her bag she finds another inhaler and this one is in date. Cindy takes a puff from her good inhaler and almost immediately begins to breathe easier. As her breathing and colour return to normal, she thanks you and assures you that she is fine now. Does Cindy need more first aid or medical help? What else can you do for her?

6.

Epi-Pen Injection

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