27
Sep
2011
Anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis) occurs when the body has a serious allergic reaction to something. This is an emergency and first aid is limited to helping breathing and minimising shock until medical help arrives.
There will be widespread red blotches on the skin, obvious difficulty breathing and swelling in the face, neck and tongue.
An injection of adrenaline eases the symptoms, and people with severe allergies usually carry an adrenaline pen like Jext with them. If so, help them to use it as soon as signs of anaphylactic shock start to become apparent.
Phone the emergency services and ask for an ambulance immediately. Say that you suspect anaphylactic shock.
If the person is conscious, help them sit up in a position which eases their breathing.
Put them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing, pulse and consciousness. You must be prepared to resuscitate with CPR.
Source: Daily Mirror
