If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or you are unsure — call your local emergency number NOW, before anything else.
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can quickly block breathing, cause collapse, or stop the heart. Fast action, especially calling emergency services and giving epinephrine if available, can save a life.
Call emergency services immediately if…
- The person has trouble breathing, noisy breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the tongue or throat
- The person becomes faint, confused, collapses, or is hard to wake
- There is a rapid reaction after food, medicine, or an insect sting with widespread hives, vomiting, or swelling
- The person used an epinephrine auto-injector or says they are having anaphylaxis
- Symptoms are getting worse quickly, even if they seem mild at first
- 1
Call emergency services
Call the local emergency number immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. Say the person may be having a severe allergic reaction and has trouble breathing, swelling, or collapse. Put the phone on speaker if you can so you can keep helping.
- 2
Use epinephrine now
If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector, help them use it right away if they cannot do it themselves. Inject it into the outer mid-thigh, through clothing if needed, following the device instructions. Do not delay epinephrine while waiting to see if symptoms improve.
- 3
Lay them down safely
Help the person lie flat with their legs raised if they feel faint or weak. If breathing is hard, they may be more comfortable sitting up slightly; if unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. Do not make them stand or walk.
- 4
Remove the trigger if possible
Stop exposure to the allergen if you can do so safely. For an insect sting, brush the stinger away quickly if it is still present. Do not waste time trying to remove it perfectly if the person is getting worse.
- 5
Watch breathing closely
Stay with the person and watch for worsening breathing, vomiting, or collapse. Loosen tight clothing and reassure them calmly. If they stop responding and are not breathing normally, start CPR and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.
- 6
Give a second injector if needed
If symptoms are not improving or get worse after the first epinephrine dose, use a second auto-injector if one is available and the device instructions allow it. Tell emergency services when each injector was used. Keep the used device to show responders if possible.
- 7
Prepare for handover
Tell responders what triggered the reaction if known, what symptoms you saw, and when epinephrine was given. Mention any asthma history or previous severe allergic reactions if known. Even if the person looks better, they still need urgent medical care.
Do NOT
- Do not wait to see if symptoms go away before calling for help or using epinephrine
- Do not let the person stand, walk, or suddenly sit up if they feel faint
- Do not give food or drink
- Do not rely on antihistamines alone for severe breathing problems, throat swelling, or collapse
- Do not leave the person alone
Afterwards
Anaphylaxis can return after seeming to improve, so the person should be checked urgently by medical professionals. After the emergency, replace any used epinephrine auto-injector and encourage follow-up with a doctor or allergy specialist about triggers and an emergency action plan.
Sources
- [1]Anaphylaxis — World Health Organization
- [2]Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions — American Red Cross
- [3]First aid for anaphylaxis — International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Printed from HealthPulse.cc — first-aid education only, not a substitute for training or professional emergency care. Always call your local emergency number first.
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