If a passenger with known severe allergy uses an epinephrine auto-injector during flight, what should the crew do?

• A. Administer epinephrine to the passenger directly.
• B. Remove the injector from the passenger and secure it.
• C. Assist the passenger to administer if trained or instructed, call for medical help, and monitor the patient closely; do not administer medication to someone else.
• D. Ignore the incident unless the passenger requests help.

Answer: (C)

When a passenger with a known severe allergy uses an epinephrine auto-injector on a flight, the crew’s course is to support the passenger’s self-treatment or follow medical direction, and to call for medical help while monitoring closely. The auto-injector is designed for the person experiencing the reaction to administer; the crew should assist only if the passenger cannot self-administer and they are trained or instructed by medical personnel to help. Do not administer medication to someone else yourself because dosing and administration decisions are specific to the individual and require proper authorization or training. After the injector is used, get medical guidance from ground-based or in-flight medical support, and keep the passenger under careful observation, providing oxygen if available and preparing for further medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.