FARE just released a FREE, 15-minute anaphylaxis course,  Save A Life: Recognizing & Responding to Anaphylaxis.   Anytime there is a new training tool available, it is important for me to review it myself.  Of course, FARE is a trusted resource, so I knew it would be based in medical fact and provide sound information and advice.  However, I wanted to see what information is conveyed, how it is conveyed and how this tool can be applied in various settings.

OVERVIEW:

The 15-minute course is very easy to follow.  There is a female that narrates the entire course bringing viewers through three sections.

SECTION ONE:  Three Key Points.  Each key point  is narrated and includes visuals and pertinent tips.

KEY POINTS:

1. What is anaphylaxis and what causes it?
2. How do I recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
3. What should I do if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction?

SECTION TWO: Epinephrine Auto-injector Training Videos

After each key point is addressed, there are videos demonstrating how to use each epinephrine auto-injector currently on the market.  You can choose to view one, all or none of the videos.

SECTION THREE:

The Final Section is a 10 question quiz reviewing the key points of the course.  You only pass the course if you answer all of the question correctly.  However, you may take the quiz multiple times.  A certificate of completion can be downloaded after you pass the test.

What I like about it:

• It only requires 15 minutes
• I’s FREE!!
• It can be used by school personnel, caregivers, family, friends, co-workers and patients.
• It takes the burden of education off of the patient or the parent.
• There is a quiz at the end and a certificate of completion (helpful for school setting if staff need to use it for proof of professional development)
• Visual, easy-to-understand
• Addresses training with ALL available epinephrine auto-injectors
• Reviews what to do if someone is experiencing anaphylaxis in two different scenarios (one where epi is available & and one where there is not epi available)
• Includes helpful tips like requesting an ambulance with epi on hand, what to do with the person once epi is administered and others

How I Think This Could Be Used

I think this is a great training tool for anyone that needs or wants to know how to identify and respond to anaphylaxis.  I could see this being used to train school personnel, parents, patients, caregivers, co-workers and much more.  I do think that it is important for people that supervise or work with people with a known food allergy, to use actual epinephrine auto-injector trainers in conjunction with the videos.  I also think it is important to have a conversation that allows for specific information about responding to individual food allergy patients as well as to address questions the trainee may have.

Bottom Line:  This is a great, easy-to-understand, and quick training tool.  It would be helpful to anyone that wants to know how to identify and respond to anaphylaxis.  It does not replace a more thorough training that would allow for the use of epinephrine auto-injector trainers as well as the interaction between an instructor and the trainee.   It would be a great jumping off point for a more individualized discussion.