Epi-Pens

[jackpp]

I was wondering how you handle Epi-pens. My kids are Middle School and High School aged. I feel like they should keep their pens with them because we are not always in the same place with the kids. Last summer I had their counselors keep them but their counselors are not always with them either. (I.e. sometimes they're with a different counselor). Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[T-Bird78]

At that age they should be able to handle it properly. Is it for food or insect sting allergies? If it's food allergies maybe it could stay in the mess hall if they eat in the same place every time; for insect then definitely keep it on them. I'd check with the camp for any protocol regarding that, but most states have "right to carry" laws that permit kids to carry their own life-saving medications. Make sure your kids are comfortable with it and practice with the trainer pen. Also make sure the camp staff they're with knows about the epi-pen and how and when to use it.

[jackpp]

It's actually for both. I researched and Illinois is a right to carry state. Thank you for the information.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

My camp holds all emergency meds in the healthcenter. Epi pens are stocked in all areas where food is consumed, at the pool, and in each divisional HQ. your never more than a quick run to an emergency kit with epi,Benadryl, and albuterol in it. The nurses can be anyplace on camp inside of five minutes of an emergency call. We feel it's after to manage our epi and I hailers this way when in camp. We had to many get lost, or just get to hot and turn cloudy. When off camp the med is with staff or the child if the an older camper. It's checked in and out to prevent it being lost...or left in a van for a week.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Keeping it at the appropriate temp can be an issue if in the back pack,you do not want t it to get overheated.