12 Days of First Aid Tips: Anaphylaxis

Roast dinners, mine pies, chocolates, trifle, profiteroles, gingerbread, cheese and crackers –a whole host of things are consumed at Christmas time and that’s not even the half of it.

When you’re entertaining guests over the festive period it’s important to double check if they have any allergies. The last thing you want is somebody falling ill after sampling your delicious homemade chocolate brownies.

However, for those unexpected occasions when somebody accidentally eats something they shouldn’t it’s useful to be prepared. In the 7^th instalment of the 12 Days of First Aid Tips, we will cover how to treat anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition.

7# Anaphylaxis

The Symptoms

• Swollen hands, feet, eyes and lips
• Swollen throat mouth and tongue that may lead to severe breathing difficulties
• Skin rash
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• Casualties may become unconscious

How to treat Anaphylactic shock

• Call an ambulance as soon as possible
• Allow the casualty to take their medication if they are able to
• If they are unable to take their medication, they may have an injector of adrenaline that you can use to help their condition to improve. The EpiPen must be injected into their thigh muscle and held in place for 5- 10 seconds. Instructions will be provided on the side of the device to assist you.
• If the patient becomes unconscious you should place them in the recovery position opening their airway, ensure that you monitor their breathing and be prepared to resuscitate.

To gain an awareness of other first aid practices, download our first aid app by searching for imperative training- it may just save someone’s life.

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