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Written by Jacquline Lowery
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 St John Ambulance has developed a course specifically for severe
allergic emergency situations and it has been endorsed by Allergy UK. Anaphylaxis first aid: Acute, severe allergy is thought to affect
around one million people in the UK with half of those suffering from
acute, severe food allergies.
Young children are the group most affected and although 80-90 percent will grow out of allergies to milk, eggs, soy or wheat, allergies to nuts and seafood are less frequently outgrown. Other allergens include insect stings, medication and pollen.Naphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a sudden massive reaction that involves the whole body with appalling results. It usually happens within minutes of being exposed to an offending allergen or trigger and requires immediate treatment.
Recognition
Anxiety
Widespread blotchy rash or nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
Eyes become puffy
Difficulty with breathing or severe asthma
Signs of shock
Alterations in heart rate
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
Sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure)
Collapse and unconsciousness
Treatment
1. Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance
2. Find out if the casualty is carrying any necessary medication (e.g an auto-injector or syringe of adrenaline/epinephrine). If necessary help them to use it.
3. If the casualty is conscious then help them to sit in the most comfortable position.
4. Reassure them and monitor closely.
5. If the casualty is unconscious and breathing – place them in the Recovery Position, monitor breathing constantly and be prepared to resuscitate.
St John Ambulance offers a range of first aid courses, if you would like more information please contact your local county office in Winchester on
(01962) 892014 or our national number on 08700 10 49 50.
Visit website: www.sja.org.uk
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