Anaphylaxis refers to a severe allergic reaction that sets off quite fast and triggers a possible fatal response, hence its important to know techniques for managing anaphylactic shock. Owing to its complexities, this condition requires immediate medical attention, but what do you need to do before help arrives? The steps outlined below will guide you to know what to do.
What are the Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock?
- Labored breathing which may sometimes accelerate to wheezing.
- The patient will complain they feel as though their airways are blocked.
- Talking in a hoarse voice, and in extreme cases, the patient will be unable to talk.
- They will also have swollen lips and a swollen tongue. Sometimes this is accompanied by a swollen throat.
- Several areas on the victim’s skin will show redness, and may be a little elevated showing up as little skin bumps.
- The victim may lose consciousness.
These symptoms may vary in number and extremity, but the importance of first aid for anaphylactic shock cannot be overlooked. Check to see whether the patient has an action plan that outlines the steps to be carried out after an anaphylactic shock. In case such a plan is present, and the patient has with them their epinephrine shots, follow the plan as outlined.
Taking an Epinephrine Shot
- If the patient is able to take the shot on their own, by all means allow them to do so. If this is not practical, inject the epinephrine. For many people, this is a nerve wracking experience especially if they have never had to do so before.
- The patient needs to inject the epinephrine in the thigh, and more specifically, the outer muscle of the thigh. Never carry out this injection venomously or subcutaneously (in the buttocks) as this could cause severe complications. The injection should not be given to the hands or feet as this will lead to damage of the tissues in the affected areas creating more complications.
- The patient should know how to provide the injection for themselves.
What If It Doesn’t Get Better?
If the situation does not change for the better, it will be imperative to administer a second injection. In grownups, wait for about 10 minutes before giving the second injection. In children, the waiting period prior to a second injection is 20 minutes.
- Check to see whether the patient is breathing; if not, give CPR, following the procedure abbreviated C-A-B which stands for Chest compressions, check airway and finally breathing. The techniques provided will differ depending on the age of the patient. There are two forms of CPR to be administered, infant CPR and adult CPR.
- Make sure to make a follow up to ensure that the patient is well taken care of. This is especially important in case there will be need for first aid for anaphylactic shock a second time.
- Ensure you report any observations to the attending doctor, as well as make mention of the procedures followed during first aid.
It is important to act fast as anaphylactic shock that is unattended to can lead to death within an hour. To learn more about providing aid for individuals in anaphylactic shock enrol in a first aid course with a provider near you. Learn about the 5 rights of medication and the legal implications of providing aid when you enrol in courses such as standard and emergency first aid.