Key Takeaways – EpiPen® & Anaphylaxis Training Australia
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EpiPen® is a life-saving adrenaline injector used in Australia to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) before emergency help arrives.
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Step-by-step EpiPen® use includes lying down, removing the cap, pulling the safety release, injecting into the mid-thigh, calling 000, and giving a second dose if needed.
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Common allergy triggers requiring an EpiPen® include food, insect bites, medicines, latex, anaesthetics, and exercise.
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Temporary side effects after EpiPen® use may include fast heartbeat, trembling, and paleness, but these are not life-threatening.
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EpiPen® vs Anapen®: Both are adrenaline injectors; Anapen® offers a larger dose version for individuals over 50kg.
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EpiPen® in Australia costs around $79.99 and requires a prescription from an allergy specialist under the PBS.
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EpiPen® training is required for childcare and high-risk workplaces, as mandated by the Australian government.
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22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis covers prevention, risk minimisation, and emergency responses.
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Training with CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) includes online study, 3 hours of practical assessment, and costs $161.
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CPR First Aid training centres across Australia (e.g., Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) offer easy enrolment online for individuals and workplaces.
If you have an allergy or know someone with one, you may have heard of an EpiPen®. It’s an injector that contains adrenaline (epinephrine) to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Anyone may do EpiPen® administration if they know the first aid steps in this article below. However, if you want to advance your skills and knowledge regarding anaphylaxis management, which is required at work, you may enrol in an EpiPen® training. Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening, and the Australian government requires certain workers, especially those in childcare services, to acquire a first aid certificate or first aid certification. Find more details about these below.
How to Use an EpiPen® Step-by-Step?
The manufacturer of the EpiPen® provides the following steps in using the product.
Lie on the Ground
If you can’t do this due to breathing issues, you may sit instead, as long as you don’t stand or walk.
Remove the EpiPen® from the Carry Case
Open the cap and slide the EpiPen® out. Avoid holding the orange shield with your fingers because it has a needle.
Pull Off the Safety Release
Keep the orange shield facing down, pull the blue safety release, hold your legs still, and put the end of the orange shield against your outer mid-thigh. If this is done on a child, keep them to avoid any injury.
Push the Epipen®
Push it hard to the mid-thigh until you click, hear, or feel a click, and hold it there for three seconds.
Remove the EpiPen®
After three seconds, remove the EpiPen® by pulling it out and note the time this was done.
Call an Ambulance
Immediately call 000 for emergency assistance and remain lying down or sitting.
Administer a Second Dose of EpiPen®
If there is no response after 5 minutes, another EpiPen® should be administered by following the instructions above.
What is an EpiPen®?
An EpiPen® contains adrenaline, approved in Australia as first aid for severe allergy reactions before medical assistance becomes available.
What are the Side Effects?
According to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), temporary side effects of adrenaline may include the following.
- Increased heart rate
- Trembling
- Paleness
So, you or a casualty may look unwell after an EpiPen® usage.
How Much are EpiPens® in Australia?
The average price of an EpiPen® is $79.99.
How to Get an EpiPen® in Australia?
You must bring your authority prescription to a pharmacy, which a clinical immunology/allergy specialist provides via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A GP may then release the follow-up prescriptions.
What are the Allergies that Require an EpiPen®?
Administration of an EpiPen® must be done as soon as anaphylaxis occurs from the following allergy triggers.
- Food
- Insect bites and stings
- Medicines
- Exercise
- Anaesthetic drugs
- Latex
Some cases do not involve any allergen.
What Happens if you use an EpiPen® without Needing It?
The ASCIA recommends using an adrenaline injector such as an EpiPen® even if you are unsure it’s anaphylaxis. If a person does not need it, he/she may still experience temporary side effects.
Anapen® vs EpiPen®
Anapen® is also an adrenaline injector like the EpiPen®; it’s just another brand. Both have versions available for adults and kids with varying doses of adrenaline according to age group. However, only the Anapen® has a larger dose version ideal for those weighing over 50 kilograms.
EpiPen® Training
According to ASCIA, anyone, even those who are not in the medical field, may use an adrenaline injector. This is why instructions on how to use EpiPen® or AnaPen® are made available online and in their containers.
However, anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition, and younger kids may be unable to administer it. So, the government requires businesses in childcare services to have someone in the organisation complete the anaphylaxis first aid course. A childcare first aid course might also be a viable choice.
22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis Qualification
This current course code involves the first aid responses to anaphylaxis, strategies to prevent exposure to allergens, and minimising risks.
How Long is the EpiPen® Training?
There are 1.5 hours of express assessment at the workplace and 2-4 hours of pre-course online home study. The 3 hours of practical CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) course includes asthma training.
How Much is the EpiPen® Training?
CPR First Aid training using an EpiPen® or AnaPen® costs only $161 (RTO NO 21903).
Where is the Location of the EpiPen® Training?
CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) has multiple training centres throughout Australia. One is at Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth, 196 Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
How to Enroll in the EpiPen® Training?
Visit the CPR First Aid website (RTO NO 21903), pay for a slot, and attend the training.
Conclusion
There are easy-to-follow steps for using EpiPen® the right way. It is a brand for an adrenaline injector, similar to AnaPen®, which requires a prescription from an allergy specialist. Anyone may respond to anaphylaxis using either of the brands. However, the government requires first aid qualifications for those who work in childcare services. 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis Qualification is the current code registered training organisations such as CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903) deliver. If you are one of those required or you would like to advance your knowledge about anaphylaxis, visit the company’s website for more information.