Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Administration

Welcome to the Epinephrine Administration Online Course for climbers. If you are not a climber it is hoped that you will give this amazing activity a try. You are sure to find the content of this course valuable in non vertical situations.

Anaphylaxis is a heinous affliction but fortunately one that can be reversed by epinephrine if conducted promptly. It is in the best interests of people venturing into challenging terrain away from rapid Emergency Medical Service care to have this life saving intervention at the ready. Unlike bleeding control, Defibrillation and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation however there are still legal restrictions on epinephrine use. This course will discuss these legalities and how to utilize epinephrine if there is a pathway for doing so.

Thank you and enjoy the course.

NC Epi form

Anaphylaxis and Epi Administration

Password: rc.comcourse2022

Anaphylaxis is an extreme systemic form of an allergic reaction involving multiple body systems that can result in death. Anaphylaxis causes life threatening opening of the blood vessels and closure of the airways.

Epinephrine is a medication that closes the blood vessels and opens the airways. Epinephrine is most commonly given by auto injectors and Intramuscular injections. The most common Epinephrine doses are 0.3 mg for adults and 0.15 mg for children.

Allergic Reaction Protocols

Protocols are provided as a structure within which to provide medical care. Below is a link to the North Carolina protocol for Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis. Most EMS protocols are available to the public. NC EMS protocols are available at: https://www.ncems.org/protocols/

NC Allergic Reaction/Anapylaxis Protocol

Intramuscular Injection Procedure

IM injection procedure

Anaphylaxis and Epi Administration

Thanks so much to Seth Hawkins MD for the use of this presentation. His work in the area of wilderness medicine and mountain rescue is simply amazing.

Click here to view the slide presentation

Epinephrine Administration questions/answers

What are the important legal aspects regarding epinephrine use?: Epinephrine auto-injectors are commonly prescribed for self use without specialized training.

People in need of epinephrine can be assisted with their prescribed medications without training or authorization.

Epinephrine use other than an auto-injector requires specialized training and authorization from state regulatory authorities.
Why is proper assessment and treatment of anaphylaxis important?: Anaphylaxis is one of the most profound examples of an immediately concerning life threatening condition that can be quickly reversed with relatively minimal training and medication.
What are the most common doses for epinephrine IM?: The most common doses of epinephrine IM are 0.3mg for adults and 0.15 mg for children.

Advanced Life Support for Anaphylaxis

Advanced Life Support interventions allow for a longer term approach to Anaphylaxis. This module will provide information about providing care to the anaphylaxis patient during extended extrication and transport to definitive care.

Complications faced while treating anaphylaxis such as beta blocker impacts will also be discussed.

It is intended for Paramedics, Nurses, Physicians and other ALS health care professionals. The module may also be beneficial for non ALS providers and students who wish for familiarization with the topic.

ALS Module coming soon!!

Epinephrine Administration Course Objectives

The Epinephrine Administration course is an in-person skills session that enables the student to administer IM epinephrine. The requirements vary by state.

At the completion of the course the student will:

Understand applicable state statutes relative to administration of Epinephrine and the legal implications of rendering aid including the provision that treatment is to be utilized only in the absence of the availability of physicians or other practitioners who are authorized to administer the treatment. ()

Recognize the value of proper assessment and treatment of patients with anaphylaxis/allergic reaction. ()

Define antigens, antibodies, allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. ()

List common antigens most frequently associated with anaphylaxis and describe their common methods of entry into the body. ()

Demonstrate a physical examination of patients with complaints associated with anaphylaxis/allergic reaction and differentiate between the physical signs and symptoms of each. ()

Differentiate the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis from other medical conditions which may mimic anaphylaxis. ()

Describe when Emergency Medical Services should be contacted during incidents related to allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. ()

Differentiate between adult and pediatric doses of Epinephrine. ()

Discuss considerations for storing Epinephrine. ()

Properly dispose of contaminated items and sharps. ()

Describe necessary elements to be documented concerning the administration of epinephrine. ()

Understand and perform universal precautions and body substance isolation (BSI) procedures during medication administration. ()

Demonstrate clean technique during medication administration. ()

Demonstrate the proper use of various epinephrine forms including auto-injectors, vials and ampules. ()

Describe the conditions indicating respiratory/cardiac arrest in the anaphylaxis victim ()

Demonstrate the appropriate interventions for a victim of respiratory/cardiac arrest ()

Demonstrate competence during a simulated history and patient assessment, record the findings, conduct treatment then report management of a patient with anaphylaxis/allergic reaction to a health care provider. ()

Epi Admin Course Objectives (Document)

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