Use of Epipen or Twinject Auto-injectors in Emergency Situations                                                                                  September 8, 2008

There continues to be some confusion regarding the use of an epinephrine auto-injector system when dealing an unresponsive casualty.

According to Workplace Health and Safety “In Alberta, First Aiders are not allowed to diagnose, prescribe or administer any medication. They are allowed to assist individuals with their own medications if the casualty identifies the medication as his/her own and is unable to take it without assistance”

In the case of dealing with an unresponsive casualty, as long as it can be clearly identified that the person is having an anaphylactic reaction and that the auto-injector available belongs to the casualty then a First Aider can assist the casualty in the delivery of the medication by delivery the medication.

Again, much of the confusion with this is the semantics surrounding the terms administer and assist. Administer, according to Workplace Health and Safety, means the casualty does not have the medication and the First Aider is deciding upon its usage based upon a diagnosis of the casualty’s symptoms. Assisting a casualty in the delivery of medication means the casualty already has the medication prescribed to them and as the First Aider you are assisting in the proper delivery of the medication based upon the need of the casualty.

If further questions with regard to this matter can be directed to me at klolby.walters@stjohn.ab.ca