The UC Davis Epinephrine Auto-Injector Program helps departments prepare for and respond to anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
The program enables departments to train authorized personnel and maintain compliance with California requirements for the possession and use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
Is an epinephrine auto-injector program right for your department?
Departments should consider establishing an epinephrine auto-injector program if employees, students, volunteers or visitors may be at increased risk of anaphylaxis and rapid access to an epinephrine auto-injector could improve emergency response before EMS arrives. This may include departments involved in outdoor work, field research, agricultural activities, animal care, grounds maintenance, laboratories, camps or other environments where exposure to insects, food allergens, medications or environmental allergens may occur.
1. Get trained
Anyone may request epinephrine auto-injector training. The training is appropriate for anyone interested in learning this lifesaving skill and is required for individuals who will serve as authorized users within a participating department. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and safely administer an epinephrine auto-injector during an emergency.
To participate in the UC Davis Epinephrine Auto-Injector Program, authorized users must complete and maintain the following training and certifications, offered by the UC Davis Fire Department:
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training
- CPR/AED Certification
- California EMSA Epinephrine Certification
Authorized users must maintain all required training and certifications.
2. Request department enrollment
Departments wishing to participate in the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Program must designate an EOP, or Emergency Operations Plan, administrator who is responsible for program implementation, compliance and ongoing oversight.
Once approved, participating departments may obtain a physician's prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, designate authorized users and manage their program through the department EOP.
3. Manage your department's program
The EOP administrator is responsible for maintaining current program records, training documentation and authorized user information.
Use the form below to add or update authorized users associated with an approved or pending EOP.
Add or update authorized users
Responding to anaphylaxis
Authorized users should follow their approved training and department EOP when assessing and responding to suspected anaphylaxis.
After epinephrine is used
Following the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector:
- Call 911 and follow established emergency procedures.
- Follow applicable workplace injury reporting procedures if the incident involves an employee.
- Complete all required program documentation.
- Submit a post-use report to the EMSA, or California Emergency Medical Services Authority, within 30 days of use.
For EMSA reporting requirements and forms, visit the EMSA Epinephrine Program.
Legal authority
According to California state law (Health & Safety Code 1797.197), individuals who hold an EMSA-issued epinephrine certification card can obtain a prescription and administer an auto-injector during an anaphylactic emergency, with civil liability protection under the law.