Being an asthmatic myself, I am familiar with the course of treatment at varying levels. Emergency treatment, maintenance treatment and urgent treatment. I am familiar with my lungs' capabilities and know when I need to go to the ER versus taking my peak flow readings periodically while sitting tight and waiting for the episode to pass.
The request for epinephrine was not some random course of treatment for an anphylactic episode. Depending on the severity of asthma, physicians prescribe the epi-pens mentioned in a previous post, and various other emergency/urgent treatment options.
Sometimes the patient knows exactly what is needed, whether the doctor is around or not...
I know type I diabetics would agree with me...
--erik