Giving a child an epinephrine shot: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services immediately after every epinephrine injection.
Also call if severe symptoms are suspected but an injector is unavailable.
Follow instructions about positioning, repeat treatment, and resuscitation.
Contact the child's regular healthcare team after the emergency to:
Replace any used, expired, damaged, or missing injectors
Review a reaction or possible trigger
Update school forms and the written allergy plan
Check technique, storage, or the prescribed device strength
Arrange allergy follow-up when recommended
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get urgent help for an accidental injection into a finger, thumb, hand, or foot, especially if the area becomes pale, cold, painful, or numb.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Giving a child an epinephrine shot. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.