Resources for Families

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Helping You Feel Confident, Prepared, and Protected

Managing severe food allergies can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Epi Buddies is here to help you understand how to use an EpiPen, recognize allergic reactions, and keep your child safe at home, at school, and on the go.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can happen within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
Common allergens include:

• Peanuts, tree nuts
• Milk, eggs
• Soy, wheat
• Fish, shellfish
• Insect stings, medications, and latex

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

• Hives, itching, or flushed skin
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness, fainting, confusion

👉 If you suspect anaphylaxis, use the EpiPen immediately. Don't wait. Call 911 after administering it.

Using an EpiPen can feel scary—but it's easy once you learn how. Practice builds confidence. Here's how to use a standard EpiPen (auto-injector):

1. Stay calm and act quickly.
2. Grasp the EpiPen in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward.
3. Remove the blue safety cap.
4. Swing and firmly push the orange tip into the outer thigh (through clothing if needed).
5. Hold for 3 seconds. You’ll hear a click—this means the medication is being injected.
6. Remove the EpiPen and massage the injection site for 10 seconds.
7. Call 911 immediately and tell them it was an anaphylactic reaction.
8. If symptoms don’t improve in 5-15 minutes, a second dose may be given using a second EpiPen, if available.

🧒 EpiPens can be used for children as young as 15 kg (33 lbs) with pediatric doses (EpiPen Jr).

Children should understand what an EpiPen is—even if they don’t administer it themselves.

• Teach them what their allergens are and how to avoid them
• Show them what the EpiPen looks like and what it does
• Role-play allergy emergencies using a trainer pen (ask your pharmacy for one)
• Empower them to speak up if they feel “off,” itchy, or notice swelling

👍 Teach this phrase: “If I can’t breathe, use my EpiPen and call 911.”

Make your home a safe space for your child by:

• Reading all food labels, even on products you’ve bought before
• Cleaning shared surfaces regularly—especially in kitchens
• Storing allergy-safe foods separately and labeling them clearly
• Having a dedicated allergy kit (EpiPen + instructions + antihistamine) in a central place
• Teaching siblings, babysitters, and grandparents how to use the EpiPen

Children spend a huge part of their day at school—make sure they’re protected:

• Submit a Food Allergy Action Plan to the school nurse
• Ensure your child’s teacher knows how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction
• Ask where the EpiPen will be stored (nurse’s office, classroom, backpack)
• Request that your child sit at an allergen-free table if needed
• Make sure your child wears a medical alert bracelet

✏️ Tip: Role-play with your child how to speak up about allergies in the lunchroom or classroom.

Whether it’s a park visit or a vacation, always carry:

• At least two EpiPens
• Allergy-safe snacks or meals
• Wipes to clean hands and surfaces
• A copy of the Allergy Action Plan
• Medical alert ID (bracelet or card)

🚗 Travel Tip: Never store EpiPens in a hot car or in freezing temperatures. Keep them at room temp in an insulated bag.

Cross-contact and hidden ingredients can be dangerous. Here’s what to look for:

• Watch for food labels that say “may contain” or “produced in a facility with…”
• Be cautious with baked goods, sauces, and pre-packaged meals
• Teach your child not to share food—even with friends
• Always ask how food was prepared in restaurants

🍴 When dining out:

• Call ahead and ask about allergen protocols
• Let the server know about the allergy before ordering
• Avoid buffets or shared serving utensils

Living with allergies can cause anxiety for children and parents alike. You’re not alone.

• Connect with other families through support groups (online or local)
• Use child-friendly books or videos to educate without scaring them
• Remind your child that with awareness and preparation, they can be safe and confident
• Practice emergency drills so everyone knows what to do

🧡 Most importantly, keep EpiPens accessible at all times—and know that you’re doing an amazing job protecting your child.

If you:

• Are struggling to afford an EpiPen
• Have questions about using it
• Need help preparing a school plan

We’re here for you.
📧 Email: support@epibuddies.org
📞 Call: (555) 123-4567