Be Prepared: Learning how to use EpiPen®
Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, friend, or simply want to be prepared, knowing how to use an EpiPen® is an important, life-saving skill.
An EpiPen® (epinephrine auto-injector) treats severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can happen quickly and be triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, or other allergens.
Before you begin
You will now read through detailed steps demonstrating how to properly administer an EpiPen in an emergency situation.
This walkthrough will help you clearly understand:
- How to hold the device correctly
- How to remove the safety cap
- Where to inject
- How long to hold it in place
- What to do immediately after administering it
Search for symptoms
Identify symptoms of systemic anaphylaxis (e.g., respiratory distress, hypotension, or laryngeal oedema).
Confirm the medication is not expired and the solution is clear and colourless. Form a fist around the midsection of the injector, ensuring no digits cover either end of the device.
Remove EpiPen® cap
Remove the blue safety release cap by pulling it straight up while maintaining a firm grip on the carrier tube. This action arms the internal spring-loaded firing mechanism.
Locate injection area
Identify the vastus lateralis (outer thigh) as the injection site. If necessary, clear the area of bulky clothing, though the needle is designed to penetrate standard medical scrubs or denim.
Time for a short quiz
This quiz covers content from steps 1, 2, and 3.
- Types of symptoms
- How to open EpiPen®
- Where to inject EpiPen®
When ready, click continue to begin the quiz.
Where should EpiPen® be injected?
Should you remove the safety cap from the orange tip end of the EpiPen®?
Good job, please continue to the next step.
Almost there! Give the steps another read and try again.
Prepare for injection
Position the orange tip at a 90-degree angle against the vastus lateralis. Swing and push the injector firmly until a distinct "click" is heard or felt, signalling the needle has deployed into the intramuscular space.
Inject EpiPen®
Maintain the device firmly against the thigh for a full 3 seconds to ensure the entire dose of epinephrine is delivered via the pressurized plunger.
Dial 911, dispose EpiPen®
Withdraw the unit and massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance systemic absorption. Then dial 911 immediately.
Once you know EMS is on their way, place the used unit into a designated sharps container, noting that the orange tip will now extend to cover the needle.
Time for a second quiz
This quiz covers content from steps 4, 5, and 6.
- How to inject EpiPen®
- What to do during EpiPen® injection
- What to do after EpiPen® injection
When ready, click continue to begin the quiz.
How long must you hold the EpiPen® firmly against the thigh after injection?
What do you do with the EpiPen® after the injection is complete?
Good job, please continue to the next step.
Almost there! Give the steps another read and try again.
Important safety warnings
- Incorrect grip: Covering either end, risking finger injection.
- Too little pressure: Not pressing firmly enough to hear the click.
- Early removal: Pulling away before 3 seconds.
- Accidental self-injection: Firing it toward your hand or thumb.
- Wrong site: Injecting into a vein or buttock instead of the outer thigh.
Time for the final test
Great job! Now it's time to take the final test to review key EpiPen® steps and boost your confidence in an emergency.
The test covers:
- Anaphylactic symptoms
- When to use an EpiPen®
- How to hold and activate it
- Where to inject
- What to do afterward
When ready, click continue to begin the test.