Page 161 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

FIRST AID 159

Anaphylactic shock

Certain people develop this life-threatening allergic reaction
WARNING
to insect stings, to some foods such as peanuts or shellfish,
or to certain drugs. Anaphylactic shock develops within minutes Dial 911 or call EMS.
and causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of A person with anaphylactic shock
needs urgent medical attention.
the airways. Symptoms include wheezing; swelling around the
eyes and of the face, lips, and tongue; widespread red, blotchy
skin eruptions; gasping for air; and anxiety. There is a risk of
shock (see p.165), and the person may become unconscious.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Treating anaphylactic shock allergic reaction often carry a prefilled syringe of epinephrine
Your goal is to get the victim to a hospital immediately. (adrenaline) for self-treatment, but may need your help to
A person with anaphylactic shock needs emergency use it. While you wait for specialized help to arrive, you
medical help, including an injection of epinephrine should try to ease the victim’s breathing, watch him or her
(adrenaline). People who are susceptible to this type of carefully for any signs of shock, and treat if necessary.

Call 911. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect
anaphylactic shock, and give any information
1 you have on what has triggered the reaction.
Help the victim
The victim may be able to give you the details. to find and use his
or her epinephrine
(adrenaline) syringe
If the victim is conscious,
help him or her into a
2 sitting position to make Sitting up will help
the victim to breathe
it easier to breathe. Stay more easily
calm and be reassuring.
Encourage the victim If the victim has a syringe
to breathe more of epinephrine (adrenaline),
slowly and deeply. 3 help him or her to find and
use it, or administer it yourself
if you know how to do so.

Treat for shock (see p.165)
if necessary. If the victim
Support and
reassure the 4 loses consciousness but is
victim until breathing, put him or her
help arrives
into the recovery position
(see p.169). Monitor
breathing, pulse, and level of
consciousness regularly until
help arrives. Be prepared to
start CPR (see pp.170–171)
if the victim stops breathing.