Storage and Maintenance of Adrenaline Auto Injectors in Schools

Having adrenaline auto injectors (AAIs) available is only part of effective allergy management. Schools must also ensure that emergency medication is stored correctly, checked regularly and is immediately accessible during an emergency.

Whether you're responsible for managing your school's medical supplies or reviewing your allergy policy, following best practice for the storage and maintenance of adrenaline auto injectors helps ensure these life-saving devices are ready when they're needed most.

This guide explains how schools should store, monitor and maintain EpiPens and other adrenaline auto injectors in line with current UK guidance.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Adrenaline auto injectors are emergency medicines designed to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.

Incorrect storage can affect the quality of the medication or delay access during an emergency. Having clear procedures in place helps ensure staff can respond quickly and confidently if a pupil experiences anaphylaxis.

Where Should Adrenaline Auto Injectors Be Stored?

Emergency adrenaline auto injectors should be stored in a location that is:

Easily accessible to trained members of staff.
Clearly identified as containing emergency medication.
Known to all relevant staff.
Secure but not locked away where access could be delayed.
Close to areas where emergency medication may be needed.

Schools with multiple buildings, sports facilities or large campuses may wish to keep adrenaline auto injectors in more than one location, based on their allergy risk assessment.

Recommended Storage Conditions

Adrenaline auto injectors should be stored:

At room temperature.
Away from direct sunlight.
Away from excessive heat or freezing temperatures.
In their original protective packaging until needed.
In a clean and dry location.

Avoid storing adrenaline auto injectors:

In refrigerators or freezers.
On windowsills or in direct sunlight.
Near radiators or other heat sources.
In vehicles for prolonged periods.

Following the manufacturer's storage recommendations helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication.

How Often Should Adrenaline Auto Injectors Be Checked?

Schools should have a routine process for checking all emergency adrenaline auto injectors.

Checks should include:

The expiry date.
The condition of the device.
Any signs of damage.
The viewing window (where applicable) to ensure the solution remains clear and colourless.
That the injector is stored in the correct location.

Many schools include these checks as part of their regular first aid or medical equipment inspections.

Managing Expiry Dates

Like all medicines, adrenaline auto injectors have an expiry date.

Schools should:

Maintain a record of expiry dates.
Check devices regularly.
Replace devices before they expire.
Remove expired devices from emergency stock promptly.

Keeping an up-to-date inventory helps ensure emergency medication is always available when needed.

Should Schools Keep Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors?

Eligible schools in England can purchase spare adrenaline auto injectors without a prescription for emergency use.

Spare devices provide an additional safeguard if:

A pupil's prescribed injector is unavailable.
A device has been damaged or misfired.
A second dose of adrenaline is required while waiting for emergency services.

The number of spare adrenaline auto injectors a school keeps should be based on its allergy risk assessment, the size of the school and the needs of its pupils.

Training Staff on Storage and Maintenance

Everyone responsible for managing emergency medication should understand:

Where adrenaline auto injectors are stored.
How to check expiry dates.
How to identify signs of damage.
The school's procedures for replacing expired devices.
Who is responsible for maintaining emergency medication records.

Regular refresher training helps ensure these responsibilities are carried out consistently.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Many schools find it helpful to create a simple maintenance schedule for adrenaline auto injectors.

This may include:

Monthly visual checks.
Recording expiry dates.
Reviewing stock levels.
Confirming storage locations.
Ordering replacement devices before they expire.
Updating allergy records where necessary.

Having a documented process helps schools demonstrate good allergy management and ensures emergency medication remains ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adrenaline auto injectors be refrigerated?

No. Adrenaline auto injectors should be stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated or frozen.

How often should schools check adrenaline auto injectors?

Schools should check adrenaline auto injectors regularly as part of their routine medical equipment inspections, ensuring they remain in date, undamaged and stored correctly.

What should I do with expired adrenaline auto injectors?

Expired adrenaline auto injectors should be removed from emergency stock and disposed of safely in accordance with your pharmacy's advice or local medicines disposal procedures. Replacement devices should be obtained before existing stock expires.

Should spare adrenaline auto injectors be stored separately?

Schools should ensure spare adrenaline auto injectors are clearly labelled and stored in a location that allows trained staff to access them quickly during an emergency.

Order Replacement Adrenaline Auto Injectors

Keeping your emergency medication up to date is an essential part of effective allergy management.

Protect your pupils by ensuring your school always has access to in-date EpiPens and other adrenaline auto injectors. As a registered UK pharmacy, EpiPens for Schools, powered by Avail Pharmacy, makes it simple for eligible schools to order spare and replacement adrenaline auto injectors with expert pharmacy support and a straightforward ordering process.

Ready to replace your school's adrenaline auto injectors? Visit our Order EpiPens page to order online today.

Order EpiPens