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Caring for Campers with Food & Environmental Allergies - Auvi-Q Auto Injector

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DiaMedical
Published on May 13, 2022 at 5:36:00 PM PDT May 13, 2022 at 5:36:00 PM PDTth, May 13, 2022 at 5:36:00 PM PDT

Food allergies have increased steadily over recent years, currently approximately 7% of children in the U.S. Approximately 40% of these children have multiple allergies, and they are at higher risk for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis when they are at camp (1,2,3). This is because they have more opportunities to try different foods than at home or school, and the risk of cross-contamination is higher. In addition, campers may experience bug bites, pet dander, insect stings, snake bites, and other allergens. This blog will describe how camps must prepare to deal with anaphylactic reactions that can arise from food and environmental allergies. 

 

Anaphylaxis risks at camp

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical help. A medicine called epinephrine must be injected into the victim’s leg immediately. An epinephrine auto-injector is the quickest and easiest way to do this. While this is true, camps cannot rely on children to bring their own epinephrine auto-injectors. Even if campers have known food allergies, some families cannot afford to purchase them or do not know that they are necessary.  

In some cases, anaphylactic reactions can even occur in people who do not have a previous history of allergies. 

 

Anaphylaxis action plans

All camps should have anaphylaxis action plans for campers with food allergies. These should have clear instructions for staff to recognize and treat allergic reactions. Plans are available from the American Academy of Pediatrics or Food Allergy Research & Education so that camps do not need to create their own (3,4). Furthermore, camps should keep undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors on site for use in emergencies if state law allows them to do so. This is especially important for camps that are located in remote locations without nearby emergency medical services. A list of current state laws regarding stock epinephrine auto-injectors for camps can be found on the American Camp Association website

 

Auvi-Q Epinephrine Auto-injectors

While a variety of options are available to administer epinephrine for anaphylaxis, Auvi-Q is the preferred option for a number of reasons (5,6,7). First of all, Auvi-Q auto-injectors have unique voice instructions to guide users through every step so they are very easy to use. This is extremely important to overcome user anxiety and ensure that the epinephrine is injected correctly. Next, the Auvi-Q needle is designed for safety as well as comfort. Auvi-Q only needs to be held against the leg for 2 seconds to complete the injection. Then the needle automatically retracts to prevent anyone else from being poked. Finally, Auvi-Q is about the size of a credit card and the thickness of a cell phone to easily fit into pockets and first aid kits.

 

Final thoughts

Food and environmental allergies present a significant health threat for campers. Anaphylaxis happens so rapidly that epinephrine ready can literally make the difference between life and death. Staff training, emergency action plans and stock epinephrine auto-injectors help ensure that campers with allergies receive the care they need. Don’t take chances - make sure to refill epinephrine auto-injectors on time and safely dispose of the expired ones! DiaMedical USA is proud to offer Auvi-Q Auto Injectors for people of all ages. They will require a prescription or a completed and signed medical director release form prior to purchase. For more information on purchasing medication from DiaMedical USA contact an account manager at 877-593-6011 or email us at info@diamedicalusa.com  

 

Always remember - An Epinephrine Auto-Injector is not a replacement for medical treatment. Seek medical assistance immediately after taking epinephrine, even if the medicine seems to be working and you feel fine. You may have a second reaction later.

References

  1. Cosme-Blanco, W., Arroyo-Flores, E., & Ale, H. (2020). Food allergies. Pediatrics in Review, 41(8), 403-415. 
  2. Seth, D., Poowutikul, P., Pansare, M., & Kamat, D. (2020). Food allergy: A review. Pediatric Annals, 49(1), e50-e58.
  3. Schellpfeffer, N., Leo, H., Ambrose, M., & Hashikawa. (2017). Food allergy trends and epinephrine autoinjector presence in summer camps. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 5(2), 358-362.
  4. Schellpfeffer, N., Leo, H., Ambrose, M., & Hashikawa. (2020). Camp leadership perspectives on food allergy - Related anaphylaxis events and training for camp staff: A national survey of summer camps. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 8(4),1247-1252.e1.
  5. Camargo, C., Guana, A., Wang, S., & Simons, F. (2013). Auvi-Q versus EpiPen: Preference of adults, caregivers and children.  Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 1(3), 266-72.e1-3.
  6. Kessler, C., Edwards, E., Dissinger, E., Sye, S., … Grant, E. (2019). Usability and preference of epinephrine auto-injectors: Auvi-Q and EpiPen Jr. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 123(3), 256-262.

Guerlain, S., Hugine, A., & Wang, L. (2010). A comparison of 4 epinephrine auto injector delivery systems: Usability and patient preference. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 104(2), 172-177.