Epi pen training

[Skimty]

I a bit confused.

DD is 19mths and at 10mth was diagnosed by skin prick with egg, treenut, peanut and sesame seed allergies. I was told she was too young for an epipen but would need one when she got more active and went into anything other than 1-1 care. She's starting preschool in September and the head (DS is already there) advised me to get the ball rolling on the epipen because everyone needs to be trained.

So, I went to GP but she didn't really seem to know anything about it. She said we didn't need training. I got a prescription for one epipen. So

1. Is it fairly self-explanatory?
2. Should i leave the epipen at nursery or carry it there and pick it up?

Thanks, sorry ir I don't get back straight away it all depends how long she naps for!

You should have two epipens on you at all times - we have two for home and two for school, and the school ones stay at school all the time - I think this is how most people do it.

If it is less that two years since your last appointment, then you can make another appointment at the allergy clinic where she was tested, and they will be more knowledgeable about it - to be honest, the majority of GPs are woefully poor at dealing with allergies.

They will need epipen training for legal reasons as well as knowing what to do if she has a reaction. There is some useful information [http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/information/Schools/information-for-schools.aspx here]] about schools/nurseries and Allergy UK have a helpline which is really useful for questions like yours.

We were in the same boat as you, ds had multiple allergies diagnosed early on but didn't get an epi pen until he started pre school.

Got to be a bit quick as I'm supposed to be working but a few points:-

We got 4 epipens - 2 are at kept at school and we have 2 with us at all times. Argue with your GP if you have to but you shouldn't get any less. Our specialist advised this but it is from the GP's budget so you might need to push. I initially asked for 6 so the childminder could have them as well but compromised on 4. You should never carry just 1 pen you always need a back up.

We have a specialist nurse at the clinic we attend who does training for parents and also goes into the schools. Are you under the care of a specialist for the allergies? If so they should sort training out for you. If you're not under specialist care you should ask to be referred so you get more support. GP's aren't usually much good at this sort of thing unfortunately.

Good luck!

19 months is not too young, we had one from earlier (they do two different strengths based on bodyweight).

It is fairly self explanatory, but you should have training anyway. I had it (watching a video, practicing with a nurse) at the hospital after the skin prick tests. It was useful for recognising the signs of shock, especially in one do young who can't tell you what's happening. Plus if you do need to use the epipen, you don't want to faff around reading instructions.

You will need at least 4 pens. 2 for home and 2 for pre school. The 2nd is needed in case of an acute reaction where one shot is not enough. The pre school should have training too. My chilminder got trained from the local GPs nurses.

Sounds like you are stuck in an area where the allergy provision is poor, you need to push for a referral or training from someone who knows what they are doing! If in doubt, contact the anaphylaxis campaign.

Because it is a medical procedure nursery/ school staff are not allowed to do it unless trained in case they get it wrong I think it may be ofsted not sure who say that. You should get the practice nurse to run through how it works and what you have to do. If you can get a the doctor to give you two it will save remembering to get it from pre-school. I don't think its that difficult a few year ago a friend gave another friend and I her son and epipen to look after for the day (she had just had a baby she didn't tell us what to do with it I read it i thought it seamed easy enough so would of used it if necessary. Good luck

I had training on how to use mine at the allergy clinic I've been referred to for de-sensitisation.I've had epipens for 20 years and this year was the first time I've had anyone show me what to do.They also gave me a dummy one to practise with at home.V. helpful as I've never used mine so hadn't a clue really.Ask to be seen again at your closest allergy clinic,they will be far more helpful than a GP.

Thanks everyone.

Look like I'll go back to chase it up. The GPs in my practice are pretty poor tbh but that's another story.