Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools

New legislation has been passed which will allow spare emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools. This welcome move comes into effect on the 1st October 2017. Please visit the Allergy UK website for further details.

Auto-injectors like EpiPen or Jext are for use in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a very serious, often life-threatening allergic reaction.

Nuts, seafood and bee-stings are examples that can provoke extreme reactions in certain individuals. People at risk of suffering serious allergic reactions carry an auto-injector at all times. The auto-injector contains a premeasured single dose of adrenalin. It is used as soon as an allergic symptom is experienced e.g. tingling and swelling of the eyes, lips and face.

Food allergies among young people is on the rise. This new legislation should offer some reassurance to parents and school staff. We also hope that it will create better awareness of anaphylaxis management and basic first aid skills.