What to Do When Someone is Having an Allergic Reaction: Do Not Delay this Treatment
Step 1
Without delay, administer the epinephrine auto-injector into the person's outer upper thigh (about 1/2 way between the hip and the knee).
Epinephrine is the first and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, and it should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is recognized to prevent the progression to life-threatening symptoms […]
This is why the statement “Epi first, Epi fast” is a commonly known phrase in the allergy community.
Step 2
Immediately Call 911 and state "ANAPHYLAXIS"
[Pronunciation: ANA - FIL - AXIS]
Note: if there is another individual with you, have the other person call while you are administering the epi.
There is no time to waste.
The medication in the injector can open up the person’s airways but once it wears off the person CAN relapse.
They must be taken to the Emergency Room to be monitored ASAP. A second allergic reaction can occur 1-72 hours after the first reaction.
Prompt assessment and treatment are critical in anaphylaxis, as respiratory or cardiac arrest and death can occur within minutes. It is also important to treat anaphylaxis promptly because it appears to be most responsive to treatment in its early phases, based on the observation that delayed epinephrine injection is associated with fatalities.
Step 3
Lay the patient down in this vital position until Emergency Responders arrive.
FOLLOWING INFORMATION & ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY:
"THE UK GOVERNMENT'S 'ADRENALINE AUTO-INJECTOR EXPERT WORKING GROUP’”
Via Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Have them FLAT on their back
BOTH legs ELEVATED
This promotes blood flow back to the heart, brain, and vital organs where blood is most needed.
*Avoid any sudden changes in their posture and do not allow the person to walk, stand, and sit upright even if they start to feel better due to the risk of cardiac arrest (meaning the heart stops beating)
IF the person is struggling to breathe or is about to vomit in this position, gently help them up for as short a time as possible or lay them on their side - Begin CPR if the person stops breathing
IF the person is pregnant, lay her on her left side
Step 4
Closely observe the person’s breathing and pulse for 5 minutes to determine if you need to inject the 2nd epinephrine into the OTHER outer upper thigh
(the person with allergies should have 2 injectors with them)
5 minutes after the 1st injection, if there is no noticeable improvement in the person’s symptoms or if symptoms worsen, administer the 2nd adrenaline auto-injector into the OTHER outer upper thigh (again, about 1/2 way between the hip and the knee).
NOTE: It is CRITICAL that the 2nd epinephrine is injected in the OPPOSITE thigh!
Here’s why:
When the medication was injected into the first leg, it constricted the blood vessels in that leg.
If the 2nd epinephrine is injected in the SAME leg, the medication will have no where to go and will have no ability to do the life saving work.
TL;DR
Always inject the 2nd epinephrine into the OPPOSITE outer upper thigh
Step 5
Store the used Adrenaline Auto-Injector(s) in a rigid container if available and give it to the first responders when they arrive.
The first responders will want to know what dose of the medication was provided to the person so don’t toss it after it’s been used. Be careful of the exposed used needle.
Share this video that walks you through the 5 important steps you need to execute when someone is having an allergic reaction.
Why did we make this Video?
We believe that like knowing how to perform CPR, knowing how to administer epinephrine is critical and can be life saving. Of course, family and friends should be aware of the risks of anaphylaxis, the causes, and how to administer epinephrine, but we believe the knowledge and wisdom to apply these potentially life saving steps should be accessible and clear to everyone. Additionally, the correct injection technique is important to avoid unintentional injection into other body parts.
Next Up: We’ll be sharing an Allergy FAQ post to answer lingering questions you may have!
