Loading...
Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is developing a rapid, whole-body allergic reaction after food, medicine, insect sting, or unknown trigger. Breathing or circulation may be failing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Trouble breathing, wheezing, tight throat, or hoarse voice.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hives or widespread itchy rash spreading fast.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dizziness, fainting, pale or clammy skin, confusion — signs of shock.
Scene hazards: Crowded panic, Continued exposure to allergen
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout for someone to call 112 or 108 while you help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask if they have an epinephrine auto-injector. Get it and help them use it immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Remove the trigger if obvious and safe — e.g., stop eating the food, move away from the sting site.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Inject epinephrine into the outer middle thigh through clothing if needed. Hold 3 seconds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lay them flat. Raise legs about 12 inches unless breathing is easier sitting up or they are vomiting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Turn head to the side if vomiting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Watch breathing constantly. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing — start CPR.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say: "Suspected anaphylaxis — severe allergic reaction. Person having trouble breathing."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them what triggered it, whether epinephrine was given, and the exact location.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on speaker. Ask if a second epinephrine dose is needed before ambulance arrives.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anaphylaxis always needs emergency hospital care — even if symptoms improve after epinephrine.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Symptoms can return (biphasic reaction) hours later. They must stay under medical observation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT rely on antihistamines (like cetirizine) alone — they cannot stop anaphylaxis.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT make them stand or walk — this can worsen shock.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food, drink, or anything by mouth.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT wait to see if it gets better before calling for help.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Antihistamine tablets are enough for a severe allergic reaction
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Only epinephrine treats the life-threatening airway and blood pressure problems in anaphylaxis. Antihistamines may help itching but not breathing failure.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Delaying epinephrine while giving antihistamines can be fatal.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. The body releases chemicals that swell the airway, drop blood pressure, and can stop breathing within minutes.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — It can worsen very quickly. Epinephrine and emergency care are time-critical.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Common triggers include peanuts, shellfish, medicines (especially antibiotics), insect stings, and latex.