03/12/2025
🚨 First Aid for Anaphylaxis: Recognise & Respond (It Could Save a Life!) 🚨
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate action. Knowing the steps to take can be the difference between life and death.
Recognise the Signs
Look for a rapid onset of several symptoms from two or more body systems (e.g., skin and breathing) after exposure to an allergen.
⚠️ Breathing: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, persistent cough, swelling of the tongue or throat, change in voice.
⚠️ Circulation: Dizziness, fainting, pale skin, rapid or weak pulse.
⚠️ Skin/Mucous Membranes: Hives, itching, flushing, swelling (especially lips, face, or throat).
⚠️ Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain.
The 3 Critical Steps: Act FAST!
1️⃣ Inject Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
IMMEDIATELY administer the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector (like an EpiPen) into the muscle of the mid-outer thigh.
Hold the injector in place for the prescribed time (usually 3-10 seconds).
If you are unsure if it's anaphylaxis, administer the auto-injector anyway—it's safer to use it than to delay.
2️⃣ Call Emergency Services
Call your local emergency number 999 or 112 immediately after giving the injection.
State clearly: "This is an anaphylactic emergency" and provide your location.
3️⃣ Position & Monitor
Help the person lie flat on their back.
If they are having trouble breathing, allow them to sit up slightly.
If they are pregnant or vomiting, roll them onto their side (recovery position).
Do NOT allow them to stand or walk, even if they feel better.
Monitor their breathing and consciousness. If they stop breathing or their heart stops, start CPR.
Important Follow-Up
If symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes, administer a second dose of adrenaline if a second injector is available.
Even if symptoms resolve after the first injection, the person MUST be transported to the hospital for monitoring, as symptoms can return (biphasic reaction).
