The first thing to do in an emergency is administer epinephrine. Once the epinephrine has been administered, follow these steps.
1. Call 999 immediately. An epinephrine auto-injector buys time, but it is important to receive follow-up treatment as soon as possible. An ambulance can provide treatment on the way to the hospital.
2. Tell the 999 operator:
- Epinephrine has been given for a suspected food allergy reaction
- You need an ambulance with epinephrine on board
3. Lay the person flat and raise their legs. If their breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, have them sit up or lie on their side.
4. If symptoms do not get better, or symptoms return, more doses of epinephrine can be given about five minutes or more after the last dose.
5. When the Ambulance Service arrives, you will need to describe how the reaction happened and they may need to take the used epinephrine auto-injector(s) with them to be safely thrown away.
6. The Ambulance Service will take the person to the most appropriate Emergency Department. They will need to stay there for at least four hours to make sure symptoms do not return.
7. A follow-up appointment with an allergist will need to be made as soon as possible. You will need to get a prescription to replace your used auto-injector(s).
Three important things you should know:
1. Allergic reactions are unpredictable. How severe the reaction is, and which symptoms you get, can change from one reaction to the next.
2. It is vital to always carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you. In the case of severe reaction, minutes can make a difference.
3. Know the possible symptoms of an allergic reaction, and know how and when to use your epinephrine auto-injector.
