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When it comes to being prepared for an allergic reaction, I consider myself to be a well equipped parent. I have an Epi Pen in my purse at all times. We have one in the house as well as at our daycare provider’s home. My son’s school has one in the office and William wears one every day. I have practiced with an expired Epi Pen and even shared that with my readers (check it out)! My ten year old daughter was in on that little session and I think it helped to demystify the whole “what does the needle look like” issue. I have educated myself, my family and my children’s school on the importance of awareness and being vigilant. Yup, I think I am prepared.
There is just one problem; I have never actually injected an Epi Pen into human flesh.
I have no desire to ever have to use an Epi Pen in a real life situation, let alone it be for my son. I have one fervent prayer and that is he never have an Anaphylactic reaction. But, what if he does? How can I be sure I will know what to do and remember my training?
photo courtesy of Allerject.ca
There is a great product on the market these days, perfect for the treatment of Anaphylaxis. It is called Allerject. It is a different type of auto-injector. It provides the same life saving dose of epinephrine as the Epi Pen, but there is one huge difference. This product talks to you. Allerject quite literally tells you what to do when you need to inject yourself, or someone else, with epinephrine. How cool is that?! Does it replace the need to be prepared and even practice with an auto-injector? No, but what it does do is be a voice for your allergic child when you are not there. And even when you are there.
photo courtesy of Allerject.ca
I have had the chance to test out an Allerject trainer. There was no needle or medicine in it, but the calm and confidant voice of the instructor was the same. In just a couple of seconds you can inject someone in distress and not worry that you might do it incorrectly or take too long. To me Allerject is revolutionary. I was recently updated with some exciting news.
“All schools and public health units in Ontario have now received educational materials about Allerject™ as part of the kits and update packages produced by Anaphylaxis Canada in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Educators and staff in all 5,270 publicly-funded schools in the province, as well as all school boards and public health units, now have the materials. These bilingual resources include auto-injector training devices, awareness and instructional posters, instructional videos, a presentation for school personnel and related materials, and other information.”
Having trainer Allerjects in schools along with the educational materials not only means the adults who take care of our children during the day are prepared, but they are also being made aware. Awareness is such a huge part of the fight against food allergies and if it takes having an auto-injector that talks to you then I am all for it.
FT&PD
Suz
Yes, Suzanne it does make one feel a little easier about the whole allergy problem. To have someone talk you through the situation would put one at ease. Good article.
Thanks Mom <3 I just have to get our doctor to agree so we can get some..
Suz
I have occasionally wondered how one would use an Epi-Pen, Suzanne, and I will check with you one day soon. Meanwhile, this Allerject sounds promising, because I would imagine that if someone had to use it, a ‘calm voice’ would certainly ease the tension and fear. Good information.
It kind of freaked me out at first Gemma, but now having lived with the possibility of William injecting himself, well, this seems like the best way to go. Thanks for stopping in!
Suz
We carry Allerjects with us ever since we heard of them about a year ago. We also ordered one of these from their website – a great little carrying case – https://www.allerject.ca/en/free-carrying-case?returnUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allerject.ca%3A80%2Fen%2Fresources (you can also order a “trainer” Allerject to try out. Thanks for sharing this great info, Suzanne!
Thanks for the link Sandy 🙂 I actually gave my trainer Allerject to our school, long before the government did, LOL, but they were more then happy to send me a replacement!
Thanks for sharing the link Sandy 🙂
Suz
This is awesome. Are allergists recommending these now? I worry sometimes since they haven’t been around as long as an epi-pen, if they are as fail-safe and tested. that said, I’m in the same boat as you. The one time my son needed an epi, my husband did it, and the thought about how I would “perform” if needed is horrifying to me….I hope I never have to do it, but that’s probably not a realistic thought.
I guess we all have that fear, huh Robin 🙁 I am sure that the adrenaline rush would see us through the hard part, but still… Not a thought I like to entertain. I was concerned about the Allerject being so new as well. I first heard about it last May, but since then it has been proving itself. I am happy to see the government get behind this.. Thanks for stopping in1
Suz
I think it’s really great that schools are being provided with the info needed to assist or recognize someone exp. anaph. reaction. I had an epipen as a teen, living 35min from the nearest hospital – and it Wasn’t covered by our health plan or the province. I lived on my own, so it was very frustrating. I had an amazing teacher who actually paid for mine after my previous one expired.
Wow, that sounds like you had a guardian angel at school Andie. How hard it must have been to have such limited resources. I thank the heavens this has changed now. Thank you for stopping by Andie 🙂
Suz
I don’t have a child with an allergy but I have been trained how to use an epipen (the old style). when I saw the pic of your new style I was worried that I wouldn’t know what to do with it as it is totally different then the classic one! I love that it will talk me through it! AWESOME!
That is truly the draw Jennifer. As much as I “know” the Epi pen it still scares me 🙁 The Allerject will hopefully reduce the fear somewhat.. Thanks for stopping in!
Suz
I wouldn’t even know the first place to begin to inject someone with an EpiPen. What a reassurance a product like this would be!
I so agree Stephanie. It will take time to get it “out there” but it will be worth it! Thanks for stopping in!
Suz
As a primary teacher with students who have allergies, learning how to use different epi pens helped me feel more Prepared! Great post.
That is wonderful to hear Brandee. Not enough people take ownership for their own eduction with these sorts of things. On behalf of parents I thank you.
Suz
wow thanks for the post, I love reading stuff like this so I can feel prepared in an emergency situation
That is wonderful to hear Jessica 🙂
Suz
My son is allergic to Peanuts and tree nuts, and dogs and cats, and the allerject is new in our home. Its my first experience with a childrens injector device. I really like it, and luckily have not had to use it yet, but I feel more confident using it then I think I would the epipen, maybe because it is less threatening?
That makes a lot of sense Sheena. There is a sense of calm when someone else is telling you what to do. Makes me less afraid that I will “freeze” up and forget.
Suz