What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that can be caused by any number of specific triggers. While allergies are an overreaction of the body’s immune system that can lead to many cold-like symptoms, hives, and itchy eyes, the symptoms are typically mild to moderate. An anaphylactic reaction is a multi-system overreaction to an allergen that can affect a patient’s heart, breathing, skin, and digestion.
How can I tell the difference between anaphylaxis and a bad allergic reaction?
When a person is overwhelmed by their own immune system, their blood pressure drops and they may have trouble breathing. This may cause the patient to have trouble thinking clearly and answering questions. These symptoms also combined with swelling of the face, neck, and airway make breathing more difficult.
I called an ambulance. Now what do I do?
Many patients who have severe allergies will carry an EpiPen with them. Ask the patient if they carry it, if they have ever used it, and if they have come into contact with any of their allergens today. One of the biggest signs of anaphylaxis is hives on the skin, so look for those. Be ready to give the EMT/Paramedic the EpiPen and tell them everything you think is going on.
How do I use an EpiPen?
If the patient knows they have come into contact with one of their allergens, they may ask you to help them with their EpiPen. Make sure to look for all of the signs above first, and double check with the patient that they want to use the EpiPen.
Steps for administering an EpiPen:
Before administering an EpiPen, expose the upper thigh and clean it with rubbing alcohol if possible. (You may inject through clothes as well, but we recommend exposing the thigh.)
- Remove the blue cap
- Place the orange end to the patient’s thigh (Do NOT put your thumb over the top)
- Press the EpiPen hard into the patient’s thigh and hold it for ten seconds
- Remove and massage the thigh for 10 seconds
