Need emergency epinephrine
for your camp?

Epinephrine is a medicine used to treat an allergic emergency known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise or other unknown causes.

Epinephrine can be administered through an auto-injector or nasal spray, and comes in strengths for infants, children, and adults. Emergency epinephrine is sold in dual packs, with two doses per pack.

Not all children at risk for anaphylaxis have received an epinephrine prescription or always carry their emergency medications with them. Epinephrine is the only first-line therapy for anaphylaxis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases guidelines.

According to the American Camp Association, camps should have a policy in place for managing food allergies, avoiding allergic triggers and taking appropriate emergency action should anaphylaxis occur. All camps should also consider having an allergy and anaphylaxis action plan on file for camper with potentially life-threatening allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers an anaphylaxis emergency action plan.

Please consult with your camp’s health staff. Epinephrine is indicated in the emergency treatment of Type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to allergens, idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and in patients with a history or increased risk of anaphylactic reactions. Selection of the appropriate dosage strength is determined according to body weight.

Childhood allergies are on the rise. According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of children have their first allergic reaction at school or while participating in out-of-school activities, such as camp. Many states legislatures have passed legislation to allow camps to obtain and administer epinephrine auto-injectors. The American Camp Association advocates for school, camps, and other youth serving programs to have access to these life-saving auto-injectors.