Sam Spade's San Francisco

Here's an important article from Wired.com

Read it. You may be able to save someone's life!

Allergies are often associated with airborne irritants like pollen, weeds and dust. But in reality, almost anyone can suffer a severe reaction if exposed to the wrong allergen. In fact, many people can go through life without knowing they have a severe allergy until they start to suffer.

Whether set off by a bee sting or a penicillin tablet, allergic reactions can be life-threatening in unknowing victims. Allergies to food and medicine are often the most dangerous, as they can cause the throat and tongue to swell, cutting off the victim's oxygen supply. So if you or somebody around you experiences a sudden shortness of breath, swelling or severe hives, it shouldn't be treated lightly -- these are the signs of anaphylactic shock.

In the cases of anaphylaxis, you'll need to break open a first aid kit and administer an Epinephrine shot. Those diagnosed with severe allergies or with a history of anaphylaxis usually carry an Epinephrine shot with them in a kit, or as an EpiPen auto-injector. These auto-injectors require a prescription in most countries. Well-stocked first aid kits in public places like chain restaurants, schools and airports sometimes have them on hand. Most of the time, however, you'll be using an auto-injector that belongs to the person having the attack.

Here's how to administer a life-saving epinephrine shot.

First: Observe

Injecting someone with epinephrine should be an action of last resort. Using epinephrin on someone who is experiencing bad allergies and not anaphylaxis can send them into shock. Police stations, fire departments, and first aid squads all have epinephrine injectors. Keep everyone, especially the intended epi-recipient, calm. Observe the victim and make them comfortable. While the victim is still able to breathe, gather as much medical information from them as possible, while preparing the auto-injector and the injection site. If and when breathing becomes very labored, proceed to Step 1.

Step 1: Dial 911

Not optional. However, waiting for EMS to arrive is optional.

Step 2: Get a Solid Grip

With your dominant hand, get a solid grip on the shot. To do so, wrap your fingers around it like you're making fist, and place your thumb perpendicular across your fingers. Almost all epinephrine shots employ an auto-injection system, so there's no need to press a plunger or even get the thumb involved.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Cap

Using your free hand, remove the cap from the rear of the shot. If you can't tell which end is the rear, keep in mind that the sharp end (the one you don't want to mess with) tends to be black. An unused Epipen keeps the needle hidden inside the tube for safety.

Step 4: Pick an Injection Site

Pretty much any spot on the outside of the thigh will work for administering the shot. NEVER inject into the buttocks as you risk severe nerve damage. However, it's useful to pick a spot ahead of time so you can visualize the act. Also, even though most epinephrine auto-injectors are designed to pierce clothing, it couldn't hurt to find a location with minimal resistance. If the person is wearing shorts or a skirt, expose the skin.

Step 5: Press It Home

Place the tip of the injector on your chosen injection site holding the body at a 90 degree angle and press firmly. DO NOT use a stabbing action. Just press the tip firmly into the skin until you hear or feel the auto-injector engage. Once the needle has entered the skin and the injection has begun, hold it in place for roughly ten seconds. This brief period should allow the injection system to deliver the medicine. Upon completing the ten count, pull the shot away and rub the injection site for another ten seconds. Epinephrine injections cause a burning sensation that may cause the patient to pull away suddenly. It's a good idea to warn the patient before hand and, if they are a child, you may want to gently restrain the leg receiving the shot by wrapping your own leg around it.

Step 6: Seek Medical Care Immediately

The good news? With the shot administered you've not only brought some relief, but also staved off anaphylactic shock. The bad news? If you don't find medical attention immediately, the temporary effect of the shot could wear off, effectively putting you back at square one.

Caution using an EpiPen as you would any pharmaceuticals. EpiPens should be used with extreme caution in people who have heart disease. Side effects of EpiPen may include fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, fear, nausea, and breathing difficulty. Certain side effects may be increased if one is taking tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs.

Original story: Wired.com

Resources:

EpiPen

Anaphylaxis - MedlinePlus (National Institutes of Health)

.