| WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW |
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| Administering Epinephrine |
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Coaches are prepared for players to have a range of problems and injuries. But some players can have special medical conditions that require immediate attention, such as severe allergic reactions to an insect bite. Often players practice outside in the spring and summer. If a player is bitten or stung, he may be at risk for anaphylaxis. Coaches need to know how to deal with this unique medical condition and how to administer a life-saving drug.
Approximately 2 million people in the United States are at risk for anaphylaxis, and each year 400 to 800 people in the United States die from it. Insect stings, medication, food, and food additives can trigger anaphylaxis. These reactions may be life threatening and require immediate care. Some possible signals of anaphylaxis include swelling and itching of any body part; dizziness; redness; welts; red, watery eyes; rapid heart rate; and difficulty breathing. This can be life threatening, so activate the Emergency Action Plan and follow the emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care. Check the scene for safety and check the athlete, Call 9- 1-1 or the local emergency number when needed, and Care for the player until EMS personnel arrive.
If an injured player shows signals of anaphylaxis, epinephrine (contained in a EpiPen injection device), a prescribed medication, may be used to treat reactions. The EpiPen is simple and easy to use. However, it needs to be administered quickly.
| Use an EpiPen immediately if the injured player: |
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If a player is known to have severe allergic reactions, this information along with consent from the player's parent and physician approval to administer the EpiPen-and any other medication, should be provided on the required Emergency Care Permission Form. Additional treatments for allergic reactions may be prescribed by a player's physician. The parents and athlete should provide the coach with the normal location of the medication.
When administering the EpiPen, make sure the expiration date has not lapsed, the medication is not cloudy or discolored, and the directions are legible so the responder or coach can follow them. The standard dose is .3 milligrams for an adult and .15 milligrams for a child weighing less than 45 pounds. The EpiPen is to be injected in the injured player's thigh at the first sign of an allergic reaction in an individual known to have a generalized allergic response, including difficulty breathing. Do not wait for breathing problems. The EpiPen should only be used in locales where coaches have met the prescribed training, or where local laws permit.
In all cases of EpiPen administration, follow-up care and transport to a medical facility is needed. The beneficial effect of the EpiPen is relatively short in duration. Affected players having a severe allergic reaction require immediate medical assistance. Always call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number when severe allergic reactions occur.
MORE READING
American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid and Safety. (2001). Statement on Epinephrine Administration.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.
