The first time I saw an EpiPen, I was asked on the spot to administer the medication to a friend’s young son. My friend hesitated from her own sense of shock as her son began experiencing a severe allergic reaction to what was likely airborne peanut dust. She needed help–and asked for it–and I responded. Since that food allergy emergency, I’ve come to rely on EpiPens for my own family. If you’ve refilled an EpiPen prescription recently, you may have received a blue Trainer. This is a useful tool to share with family members, teachers, care providers and close friends who may be present when help is required. Read the instructions and practice with the blue Trainer. Under a controlled environment, I’ve also used an expired EpiPen to help my family learn how to respond to anaphylactic shock. Using an orange, we simulated an emergency to understand the amount of pressure needed to activate the unit. Once completed, we properly disposed of the EpiPen (and orange). The EpiPen Center for Anaphylactic Support advises that to dispose of an expired auto-injector and carrier, take it to your doctor’s office or to a hospital for proper disposal.