Anaphylaxis

Allergic reaction the most common are:

• Insect stings
• Nut ingestion
• Shellfish ingestions
• Drugs – including antibiotics, aspirin and ibuprofen

The reaction tends to begin soon (within minutes) after exposure to the trigger and progresses rapidly. An anaphylactic reaction is always an EMERGENCY.

First Aid Treatment

Casualties will often carry an Epipen and adults will usually self-administer. This will only provide temporary respite (15 - 20 minutes), with sudden relapse a distinct possibility. Whilst awaiting urgent evacuation, Oxygen can be administered. Monitor the casualty throughout waiting period.

In extreme life threatening emergencies the first aider may administer the Epipen.

Epipen

Do not wait for the attack to get ‘bad enough’ for the Epipen, use it at the first sign.

The casualty MUST go to hospital - do NOT wait for it to get ‘bad enough’ to evacuate.