What should you do if a person stung by yellow jackets cannot remember how to use their EpiPen®?

Administering epinephrine yourself when a person cannot remember how to use their EpiPen® is crucial in this situation because a yellow jacket sting can cause an allergic reaction that may quickly escalate into a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or a rapid drop in blood pressure, require immediate treatment with epinephrine.

By taking action and administering the epinephrine yourself, you are prioritizing the individual's safety and well-being. It's important to act quickly; the sooner epinephrine is given, the better the chances of reversing severe allergic reactions.

While encouraging the person to remember or seeking out instructions may seem helpful, it can be too time-consuming in an emergency. Flooding the affected area with water is not a suitable response to an allergic reaction, and while seeking further medical assistance is always a wise step, administering the epinephrine first can be life-saving in a situation where time is of the essence.