Less than 50% of individuals with food allergy have an epinephrine auto-injector. Being prepared with epinephrine auto-injectors is paramount, yet there have been challenges with consistent access to these devices.
Pre-hospital use of epinephrine is low:
- EMS usage of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis in Canada is only 36%
- Only 21% of children and 7% of adults globally use their auto-injector prior to going to the hospital
Anaphylaxis management issues:
- 25% of first-time reactions occur at school/daycares
- Children who did not receive prompt administration of epinephrine were more than 2x more likely to be admitted to the hospital
Since 2001, we have increased the number of epinephrine auto-injector brands from 1 to 3 to ensure supply access. We are continuously advocating with government for coverage of this life-saving medication.
Yet there are Canadians who cannot get access, and others who do not know how to recognize signs and symptoms or know how to treat anaphylaxis.
