What to Do in the Case of an Anaphylactic Allergic Reaction

While eating in a restaurant someone notices another individual who is struggling to breath and is told the individual is having a severe allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can be anything from getting a few hives to having an anaphylactic shock (which is a closed airway). This is a very scary time, watching an individual who is becoming unable to breath watching, the viewer wonders what they should do to help them.

Step 1: Call 911

The first step is to delegate a bystander to call 911. When calling 911 it is important that the person taking lead in helping delegates a certain bystander so that they are aware of their duties. Once on the phone with 911 explain that there is an individual who is having a severe allergic reaction. Give the 911 operator your location as exact as possible so that the help can get there as quickly as possible.

Step 2: Look for an Epi-Pen

Next look on the struggling individual’s body to see if they have an epi-pen or a dose of epinephrine on their body somewhere or in their personal belongings. If a dose of epinephrine is found begin the steps needed to administer epinephrine. Looking through the individual’s personal belongings may feel like the helper is intruding on someone privacy, but that is not the case because you are doing so to help and possibly save a person’s life.

Step 3: Preparing Epi-Pen for Use

Once the epi-pen or epinephrine is found, if it is an Epi-Pen remove the blue cap from the end of the pen. The blue cap is the safety for the pen and once removed if the other tip is pressed against something the needle will administer. Removing the blue cap is the first and a very important step when getting ready to administer the epinephrine. After removing the blue cap, it is important to call 911 again to let them know that a dose of epinephrine is getting ready to be administered into the patient.

Step 4: Administering Epinephrine

Finally, place the orange end of the pen on the outer thigh of the struggling person. When placing the orange end of the pen on the thigh it is important to press hard enough that the needle goes through whatever clothing they may be wearing and into their leg. Hold the pen in place for three seconds so that the epinephrine can be administered. Once this is completed wait for the medical personnel to show up while continuing to monitor the individual for changes. Once the medical personal arrives give them a report and allow them to take over the situation.