How to Use an EpiPen in Australia — Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Carers

Reviewed: 27 April 2026

An EpiPen sitting in a bag is only useful if the person holding it knows exactly what to do with it. Under the stress of a real anaphylactic reaction — with a child struggling to breathe, a crowd of people watching, and adrenaline running through your own system — hesitation costs time you don't have.

This guide walks you through correct EpiPen technique step by step, what to do immediately after the injection, how to adapt your approach for neurodiverse children, and when to consider a second dose.

Keep your EpiPen with your first aid kit — both accessible, both ready.

Family First Aid Kit 4WD Outdoor Kit

What Australians Need to Know About EpiPen Use

In Australia, adrenaline autoinjectors — including the EpiPen and the newer Neffy nasal spray — are the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as recommended by ANZCOR and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. They are available on prescription and are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for Australians with a confirmed severe allergy diagnosis.

Two strengths are available in Australia — EpiPen Jr (0.15mg) for children weighing 10–20kg, and EpiPen (0.3mg) for anyone over 20kg. The standard adult EpiPen is also used for children over 20kg. If the correct strength is not available, use what you have — giving any dose of adrenaline is better than giving none.

Practice Before You Need It EpiPen supplies a trainer device — an inert autoinjector with no needle and no medication — specifically so carers, teachers and parents can practise technique without using a real dose. Ask your pharmacist for a trainer device and practise regularly. Muscle memory matters when you're under pressure.

How to Give an EpiPen — Step-by-Step

Watch the video below for a visual demonstration, then read the full steps.

Remove the EpiPen from its carrier. Pull the device from its case. Hold it firmly in your dominant hand with your thumb closest to the blue safety cap end.
Remove the blue safety cap. Pull the blue cap straight off — do not bend or twist it. Do not put your thumb over the orange tip.
Place the orange tip against the outer mid-thigh. Can be given through clothing. The outer thigh — not the inner thigh, not the buttocks — is the correct injection site. For children, hold the leg firmly to prevent movement.
Push down firmly and hold. Press the orange tip firmly against the thigh until you hear a click. Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds. The needle retracts automatically.
Remove and massage. Remove the EpiPen and massage the injection site for 10 seconds to help the medication absorb.
Note the time and call 000. Record the time of the injection. Call 000 immediately if you haven't already. Tell the operator you have given adrenaline and the time it was given.
Lay the person flat. Keep them flat with legs raised unless they are having difficulty breathing, in which case allow them to sit up slightly. Do not allow them to stand or walk.
Give a second dose if no improvement after 5 minutes. If symptoms are not improving and a second autoinjector is available, give a second dose in the same way. Note the time.

After the EpiPen — Always Go to Hospital Adrenaline wears off after 15–20 minutes. Even if the person appears to have fully recovered, they must go to hospital by ambulance for monitoring. A biphasic reaction — where symptoms return hours later — affects up to 20% of anaphylaxis cases. Hospital observation for at least 4–6 hours is the standard recommendation.

How to Give Neffy — The Nasal Spray Alternative

Neffy is Australia's first approved adrenaline nasal spray for anaphylaxis. It delivers the same medication as an EpiPen without a needle, which makes it particularly relevant for neurodiverse individuals, needle-phobic patients, and settings where needle use presents a barrier to timely treatment.

Watch Samantha's guide to giving Neffy correctly:

Key differences in Neffy technique: insert the nozzle into one nostril, press the plunger firmly until the dose is released, do not tilt the head back. If a second dose is needed, use the other nostril or a second device. See our full comparison: Neffy vs EpiPen — What Australian Parents and Carers Need to Know →

Giving an EpiPen to a Neurodiverse Child — Adapted Approach

For children with autism, sensory processing differences, or significant needle phobia, the prospect of an EpiPen injection can cause extreme distress — which can in turn make the anaphylaxis response harder to manage. The following adaptations can help.

Before an emergency: Familiarise the child with the trainer device as part of their routine. Some children respond well to practising on a soft toy or on their own thigh with the trainer so the sensation is not completely unknown. Social stories about what anaphylaxis treatment looks like can also reduce fear.

During an emergency: Use clear, calm, concrete language — "I am going to help you breathe better. I am going to put something on your leg. It will feel like a pinch." Avoid abstract reassurances like "it's okay" which can increase confusion. If possible, a familiar carer should administer the injection rather than a stranger.

Consider Neffy: For children with significant needle aversion, discuss Neffy as an alternative with their allergist. Nasal delivery removes the injection barrier entirely and may result in faster, more cooperative treatment.

For more guidance see our First Aid for Neurodiverse Children guide →

Storing Your EpiPen — What You Need to Know

EpiPens should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C — not in the fridge, not in direct sunlight, and not in a hot car. Australian summer conditions inside a parked vehicle can exceed 70°C, which degrades the medication. Keep the EpiPen in an accessible, temperature-appropriate location at all times.

Check the expiry date regularly. An expired EpiPen may still provide some adrenaline but at a reduced dose — use it if it is all you have, then follow up with 000. Replace expired devices immediately.

Keep Your EpiPen With Your First Aid Kit

Both the Assurance Family First Aid Kit and the Family 4WD Outdoor Kit include a dedicated medication storage section — keeping the autoinjector and ASCIA Action Plan with the kit so everything is in one accessible location.

Family First Aid Kit → 4WD Outdoor Kit →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give an EpiPen through clothing?

Yes. An EpiPen can be administered through light clothing such as pants or leggings. Avoid thick denim, belts, or anything with rivets or seams at the injection site. In an emergency, getting the dose in quickly is more important than removing clothing — give through clothing if it saves time.

What do you do if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen?

If you accidentally inject yourself in the finger or hand — the most common accidental injection site — seek medical attention immediately. An accidental injection in an extremity can reduce blood flow to that area. Call 000 or go to an emergency department. Do not try to squeeze out the medication.

How long does an EpiPen last after injection?

Adrenaline from an EpiPen typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. This is why hospital observation is essential after every anaphylactic reaction — symptoms can return once the medication wears off. Never assume the reaction is over because initial symptoms have improved.

Can a child give themselves an EpiPen?

Older children and teenagers can be taught to self-administer. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne recommends that children with known severe allergies learn self-administration as they become developmentally ready — typically from around age 8 to 10, depending on the child. Practise with a trainer device regularly.

What is the difference between an EpiPen and Neffy for a neurodiverse child?

Neffy is a nasal spray that delivers the same adrenaline dose without a needle. For children with significant needle aversion, sensory sensitivities, or autism, Neffy removes the injection barrier that can cause extreme distress during an emergency. Discuss with the child's allergist whether Neffy is an appropriate option for their specific situation.

Is Your Anaphylaxis Kit Ready?

Keep your EpiPen with a properly stocked first aid kit — always accessible, always together.

Family First Aid Kit → All Home Kits → Find My Kit →

About the Author

Samantha Kerr is the founder of Assurance First Aid Kits and a first aid trainer with 19 years of hands-on experience. Samantha has served with the Dubbo Volunteer Rescue Association and worked as a Patient Transport Officer in Outback NSW with AirMed — bringing real-world emergency experience to everything she teaches and every kit she builds.