First Aid/Anaphylactic Shock
Introduction — Issues in Providing Care — Primary Assessment & Basic Life Support — Secondary Assessment — Circulatory Emergencies
Respiratory Emergencies — Soft Tissue Injuries — Bone & Joint Injuries — Environmental Illness & Injury
Medical Conditions & Poisoning — Advanced Topics — Appendices — Meta content
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency because of rapid constriction of the airway, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen. It is commonly triggered by insect stings and foods such as shellfish or peanuts. Call for help immediately. First aid for anaphylaxis consists of obtaining advanced medical care at once. Look to see if a device such as an epinephrine autoinjector (“Epi-pen”) is available – most people who know they have anaphylactic reactions will carry such a device with them. First aiders in many jurisdictions are now permitted to administer epinephrine in the form of an Epi-pen if the victim is unable to do so themselves. Check what the law says in your area.
Recognition edit
- Hives or rash all over accompanied by itchiness
- Swelling or puffiness of the lymph nodes, especially around the neck and mouth
- Swelling of the airway and tongue
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or gasping
Treatment edit
- Call EMS immediately
- Have the victim administer their epinephrine autoinjector if possible
- If available, administer an antihistamine to decrease swelling
- Encourage the victim to breathe slowly; calm them
- The victim should rest until EMS arrives
- Monitor ABCs and begin CPR if required
- If the victim is unable to administer their epinephrine autoinjector and it is legal to do so, administer it for them
Administering an epinephrine autoinjector edit
 Regional Note
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| Administering an epinephrine autoinjector is not legal in all jurisdictions without proper training and certification. |
Epinephrine autoinjectors are designed for ease of use. There are instructions in the tube with the auto-injector, but you should know how to use one ahead of time. They're designed to inject through clothes, so you don't have to remove the victim's pants - even if they're wearing a heavy material like denim. Whenever possible, the victim should inject themselves, but if they're unable to do so, you may be legally permitted to inject the victim.
Remove the auto-injector from the protective tube. One end has a black tip - this is where the needle will come out. Do not touch this tip! The other end has a grey cap. Remove the grey cap, hold the autoinjector in your fist, and press it firmly against the outside of the victim's outer thigh. There should be an audible click. If there is not, try again but pressing harder. Hold the auto-injector in place for 10 seconds. When you remove it, massage the area for 10 seconds, then reinsert the applicator into its protective tube needle end first to avoid any danger. When EMS arrives, they can dispose of it for you.