Because of the burgeoning of allergic disorders, more and more children are requiring auto- injectors of epinephrine. These devices are used to stop severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n
If the device is required it is obviously at a time of crisis for both the child and the parent, which makes it more likely for mis-adventures to occur. Because it is life-critical that the medication be properly administered, it usually requires some form of child restraint.<\/p>\n
Thus has evolved the concept of compassionate restraint known as \u201cthe epi-hug.\u201d<\/p>\n
The best site to administer the epinephrine is the top side of the child\u2019s thigh. So, try to visualize this: one parent should sit and place the child on his or her lap, with the child sitting on one of that parent\u2019s legs, while the parent\u2019s other leg rests on top of the child\u2019s knees, immobilizing the child\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n
The parent should use her non-dominant arm around the child\u2019s back to hold and immobilize the child\u2019s free arm. Have the child place his other arm in a \u201chug\u201d around the back of the parent. The parent\u2019s dominant arm is then free to use the auto-injector on the child\u2019s thigh.<\/p>\n
Trying to administer the epinephrine to a non-restrained or \u201cbucking\u201d child has led to countless episodes of partially administered doses, broken needles and even of the parent accidently being injected.<\/p>\n
The advice of \u201cpractice makes perfect\u201d applies. If you\u2019ve rehearsed the epi-hug with the \u201ctrainer\u201d injector before a true need, it will help ensure all goes well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Because of the burgeoning of allergic disorders, more and more children are requiring auto- injectors of epinephrine. These devices are used to stop severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. If the device is required it is obviously at a time of crisis for both the child and the parent, which makes it more likely for mis-adventures to occur. Because it is life-critical that the medication be properly administered, it usually requires some form of child restraint. Thus has evolved the concept…<\/p>\n