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Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) in school: guidance and examples

Find advice on keeping spare EpiPens and other brands of AAI on site for use in emergencies.

Last reviewed on 13 May 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 34038
Contents
  1. What is an AAI?
  2. There are currently 2 brands of AAI available
  3. Buy spare AAIs for use in an emergency
  4. Buying, storing, maintaining and disposing of AAIs
  5. Taking AAIs on school trips
  6. Include procedures for spare AAIs in your allergy safety policy

What is an AAI?

An adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) is a medical device used in an emergency to treat someone suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis).

AAIs might also be referred to as adrenaline pens/devices, or by their brand names (see the next section below).

They are designed to be injected through clothes into the upper outer thigh – either by the person suffering anaphylaxis themselves, or by someone else. Each AAI can only be used once.

Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency and needs to be treated in hospital. You must call 999 without delay after the person has received adrenaline.

There are currently 2 brands of AAI available

There are some key differences in how they are used – see the manufacturer's websites for instructions and demonstration videos: 

You can order 'training pens' from EpiPen and Jext so your staff can practise safely and