Objective: Mortality and morbidity of anaphylaxis may be reduced by rapid diagnosis and immediate management. Previous studies found that half of the families did not carry adrenalin autoinjector with them at the time of anaphylaxis and among the ones who did, only one third could used it appropriately. Family education about this issue is usually given by allergists, pediatricians and emergency care physicians. The aim of our study is to evaluate the information and experience of physicians about knowledge of using adrenalin autoinjector.

Materials and Methods: The study conducted in pediatric residents and pediatry specialist working more than a year in the Department of Pediatrics, of our Medical School. Allergy specialists were not included. Physicians were first asked to answer a questionnaire about their experience with anaphylaxis and then to show how to use adrenalin autoinjector. A 6-step standart form was used to evaluate appropriate autoinjector application by using an adrenalin autoinjector trainer.

Results: Among 60 physicians, 12 (20%) did not need to read the instructions for the autoinjector but only 5 (41.6%) of them showed all the steps appropriately. The remaining 48 (80%) physicians asked for the instructions for the autoinjector but 81.3% (39/48) of them still could not show all the steps appropriately. The most frequent mistakes during autoinjector practise were not to hold the autoinjector on the leg for 10 seconds 55% (33/60), inadequate pressure application 50% (30/60) and to play with black end of the autoinjector after removal of the security cap 40% (24/60).

Conclusion: Practical education and experience of the physicians about how to use adrenalin autoinjector is inadequate. Therefore, theoretical lectures on anaphylaxis supported by clinical practise training may improve the success rate.