Epi pens

[kcangel, LPN]

Hey all, I'm starting to think ahead already to the summer. I've got my dates for the 2 camps I'll probably be doing and wanted to make sure I was prepared.

Last year I noticed all the epi-pens were expired. I'm wondering where do you get new ones. Don't you have to have a script? I don't think anyone at the camp would know as when I started working there all the P&P were very extinct and there was a newer camp director.

Any ideas? We don't have a resource physician, yet.

Thanks,

Angie

[BonnieSc]

Yes, you have to have a prescription, at least in my state (CA). Our resource physician writes the prescription (as well as those for an extra albuterol and something for ear pain). Since you don't have a physician yet--perhaps you could see if one of the campers' parents is a physician and would be willing to write the prescriptions, and perhaps even be a resource for you?

[nurseinct1000]

here is alink to some epi-pen information. It has a link to an epi-pen slide show that can be used for in-service training.

http://www.campnurse.info/Camp_Nurse_Question.html

[finchfamily4]

Just an FYI...

I've had to use epi the last two camps I've worked at. One of these campers didn't have their own epi pen. I would NOT work at a camp that didn't have a dedicated physician. YOUR license isn't worth loosing. Parents believe me are not understanding and could care less that the camp didn't prepare. YOU are on the line. Make sure you know the risks. This is just the same as any other ACUTE CARE setting. Don't be fooled to think other wise.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

A few things to think about with epi pens. You will probably need more than 2. Anytime a kid with an allergy leaves camp to go canoeing, on a hike etc an epi pen has to go with him. Be sure staff members know when and how to use it. So if you have several kids going sailing with allergies, there goes all your epi pens.

I keep a few epipens in the infirmary for kids that didn't bring one. But instead of an epipen, and for infirmary use only by an RN, I keep several single does vials of epi (the kind in glass ampules) with each of them in their own dark pill vial with label,a syringe and ETOH wipe taped on. These setups cost $5.00 each instead of $75.00 each. When I need epi I just draw it up in the syringe and administer it. I keep a min. of 6 of these on hand. If you get a large group of kids exposed to a bee's nest or peanut butter, you will have enough epi. I have used 4 vials on several kids with pnut allergies while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

When you order epi pens for camp use, be sure an check the expiration date BEFORE you order them. Local pharmacies are famous for giving you the epi pens that expire first and you may find out they expire in 60 days. Don't accept a pen with less than a 2 yr expiration date.