Who can administer an Epi-Pen?
The law gives a very clear and simple answer to this question: ANYONE CAN.
In 2012 the Medicines Act was broadened to state that any lay person can administer adrenalin for the purpose of saving a life. Before 2012 the law stated that the lay person had to have been appropriately trained.
The Law in Detail – Human Medicine Regulations 2012
This is the link to the Regulations. Scroll down to the relevant parts listed below.
Usually in the UK the Medicines Act means that a lay person cannot administer a prescription medication to another person. This is stated in Regulation 214:
(1) A person may not sell or supply a prescription only medicine except in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner.
(2) A person may not parentally administer (otherwise than to himself or herself) a prescription only medicine unless the person is—
(a)an appropriate practitioner other than an EEA health professional; or
(b)acting in accordance with the directions of such an appropriate practitioner.
The exception to this is the administration of specific prescription only medicines, including adrenaline, when the purpose is to save a life. This is stated in Regulation 238:
Administration of certain medicines in an emergency
Regulation 238. Regulation 214(2) does not apply to the administration of a prescription only medicine specified in Schedule 19 where this is for the purpose of saving life in an emergency.
Adrenaline is one of the drugs listed in Schedule 19 – Medicinal products for parenteral administration in an emergency
How to use an EpiPen:
Watch our short video on how to administer an Epi-pen:
Can you get spare Epi-pens?
Yes, but only for use in schools. In 2018, new legislation was passed which allows schools to carry Anaphylaxis Auto Injectors, for use in emergency situations. Â This is an amendment to the Human Medicines Act.
Get First Aid confident – get trained!
We cover the use of Epi-pens and other medical emergencies on our range of first aid courses. Our systematic approach to teaching first aid helps your learning and understanding of many illnesses and injuries. Practicing first aid techniques reinforces your learning too. Find our more about our full range of First Aid Courses here.
Every client on our courses receives a FREE Digital First Aid Manual relevant to the course they come on. You can also view and buy our manuals in our online shop. In addition, we have our own YouTube channel with over 40 practical first aid videos so you can keep your first aid skills refreshed.
