Field Research can bring unexpected challenges, including severe allergic reactions. Being prepared with a clear plan, trained volunteers, and access to life-saving tools like epinephrine auto-injectors can make all the difference in an emergency.
While Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) does not manage or oversee the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Program, we’re committed to helping you find the information and resources you need to stay prepared. This page is designed to help you understand the requirements, best practices, and available training programs so you can confidently implement your own program.
Volunteering to administer as a "Lay Rescuer"
A lay rescuer is any person who has met the training standards and other requirements but who is not otherwise licensed or certified to use an epinephrine auto-injector on another person.
In order to get certified you will need to have proof of the following training certifications:
- CPR and AED Training
- EMSA- Approved Epinephrine Training
Complete the State of California Epinephrine Certification PDF Application
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Have questions or need assistances with this process?
Setting up a program as an "Authorized Entity"
If you are a department or principal investigator that employs at least one person to be a lay rescuer you are defined as an Authorizing Entity and need to meet the following requirements.
The lay rescuer will need to coordinate with a physician to prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector.(HSC 1797.197.(e).(1))
If you are a field researcher volunteering to be a lay rescuer in the line of work we will coordinate your prescription with Occupational Health. Email us your CA EMS certificate to fieldresearch@ehs.ucla.edu with your name and university ID.
You will need to create and maintain on your premises an operations plan that includes the following:
- Authorized prescriber details: Name and contact number of the health care provider who prescribed the auto-injector.
- Storage: Where and how the auto-injector will be stored.
- Authorized personnel: Names of trained employees or agents who can administer the auto-injector.
- Inspection: How and when the auto-injector will be checked for expiration.
- Replacement & disposal: Process for replacing expired or used auto-injectors and proper disposal in a sharp’s container.
- Incident reporting: Submit a report to the authority within 30 days of each use.
In the event of an incident that involving the use of epinephrine auto-injector you will need to:
For Staff follow:
- "What to Do When There is an Injury at Work" procedures.
- Submit to the EMSA a report of each incident that involves the use of epinephrine auto-injector, not more than 30 days after each use.
Emergency Medical Services Authority
11120 International Drive, Suite 200
Attn: Epi Program
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: (916) 322-4336
