In this activity, read through a conversation between a teacher and their learner, in which the teacher is trying to assess whether their students have learnt how to use an epi-pen.

Educator: Right, I’ve taught you about using your epi-pen, do you understand?

Learner: Yes

Educator: would you be confident to use your epi-pen

Learner: yes

Educator: I’ve previously found that patients say they understand, but really they don’t – so you think that you do understand?

Learner: I think so

Educator: It’s quite difficult isn’t it, it’s quite complicated.

Learner: Yes

Educator: there’s so many steps to remember aren’t there?

Learner: Yes

Educator: Why do you think it’s difficult to understand how to use your epi-pen

Learner: because there are so many steps

Educator: Could you explain to someone else how to use their epi-pen?

Learner: Probably

Educator: How would you explain to a friend how to use their epi-pen

Learner: Lie the person down, or slightly raised if they are wheezy. Hold the pen like you are riding a bicycle - orange to the thigh, blue to the sky. Use it in their thigh muscle, and hold then pen in for 10 secs, then rub for 10 secs (count elephants). Then ring 999, ask for an ambulance, and tell them you have used an epipen. Stay with them, and if you need to use a second epipen after 5 mins, do so.

Educator: What do you need to remember?

Learner: long explanation

Educator: What difficulties might you find using your epi-pen?

Learner: My biggest difficulty is making the decision to use the epipen. I find it really difficult to recognise when I am having anaphylaxis, as it all happens so fast. At the beginning, I know something is not right, but by the time I have recognised that it is anaphylaxis, sometimes I am not feeling well enough to make the decision to use my pen. I need someone to tell me to do it, and to be strong with me, as I can be quite determined that I am OK and need to be left alone. If I can make the decision myself, all is well as my training kicks in and I know just what to do.

Educator: Great, you can now go and teach your friends and families about using an epi-pen. Don’t forget to carry your epi-pen with you at all times.