Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment: Australia Guide

2025-06-16 03:06:00

Anaphylaxis: Knowing the Warning Signs

Recognizing and reacting to anaphylaxis can save a life.

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, or throat tightness are critical signs.
• Administer an epinephrine injector (if available).
• Call for emergency medical services instantly.

Anaphylaxis,a severe allergic reaction,can swiftly become life-threatening. Its crucial to understand the symptoms. Swift action is essential. knowing the signs can make all the difference.

What are the key indicators of anaphylaxis? Watch for any one of these critical signs:

• Arduous or noisy breathing
• Swelling of tongue
• Swelling or tightness in throat
• Wheeze or persistent cough
• Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
• Persistent dizziness or collapse
• pale and floppy (young children)
• for INSECT ALLERGY – abdominal pain, vomiting

If you suspect anaphylaxis, follow your ASCIA Action Plan or ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis immediately.

If you do not have an ASCIA Action Plan with you, these are the actions to take if you think someone is having anaphylaxis:

1. Lay Person Flat – Do Not Allow Them to Stand or Walk

Lay person flat

Do not allow them to stand or walk

If unconscious or pregnant, place in recovery position – on left side if pregnant

If breathing is difficult allow them to sit with legs outstretched

Hold babies and young children flat, not upright

2.Give Adrenaline (Epinephrine) injector If Available

• Instructions on how to give the adrenaline injector are on the label of the device

3. Phone Ambulance – Triple Zero – 000 (AU)

4. Phone Family/Emergency Contact

5. Another Adrenaline Injector May Be Given After 5 Minutes

• If no response from first adrenaline injector,or person is more unwell

6. The Person Must Go to Hospital for at Least 4 Hours of Observation

IF IN DOUBT GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR

Start CPR at any time if person is not responding to you and not breathing normally

Remember: the person having anaphylaxis may not be thinking clearly.

• Make sure someone stays with the person having anaphylaxis.
• Try to remain calm, reassure the person and tell them help is on its way.
• Don’t expect the person having anaphylaxis to manage the emergency on their own if help is available.
• A person having anaphylaxis may not be able to give themselves their adrenaline injector even if they know how to use it.

Do Not Shower During Anaphylaxis

Showering during a severe allergic reaction can lower blood pressure and worsen the person’s condition. This can lead to collapse if their blood pressure drops too low.

ASCIA Action plans:

Preparing for an emergency

Learn more about preparing for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and what to expect if you or a loved one experiences anaphylaxis.

Additional First aid for Anaphylaxis: What You need to Know

Understanding the immediate steps to take during an anaphylactic episode is paramount. Alongside administering an epinephrine injector and calling for help, certain actions can inadvertently worsen the situation. Avoiding these missteps can significantly improve the outcome.

The Importance of Proper Positioning

As mentioned, positioning the individual correctly is crucial during an anaphylactic reaction. This can greatly influence the severity and progression of the symptoms. Ensuring they are correctly positioned can definitely help stabilize their condition while waiting for medical assistance.

During anaphylaxis, the primary goal is to maintain blood flow to vital organs. This makes proper positioning and managing the person’s breathing a priority.

Here’s a more detailed look at how to position someone experiencing anaphylaxis:

• Lay the person flat: If the person is conscious and breathing, gently lay them flat. This position helps to maximize blood flow to the brain.
• Raise their legs (if possible): If the person is conscious and breathing, raising their legs slightly (e.g., using a pillow) can help maintain blood flow to the brain. This position is known as the shock position.
• Recovery position: If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position on their side. This helps to keep their airway open and prevent choking if they vomit. If pregnant, place them on their left side.
• Breathing difficulties: if they have difficulty breathing but remain conscious, allow them to sit in a position that makes breathing easier, often leaning forward.
• Keep them calm: Reassure the person and remain calm yourself. Anxiety can exacerbate symptoms.

other Actions to Avoid

Beyond knowing what to do, it’s critical to understand the actions that could potentially harm the person during an anaphylactic event. Certain common instincts can have detrimental effects.

Here are some things to steer clear of while waiting for professional medical help:

• Do not give anything by mouth: This includes food or drink, including medications, unless specifically directed by medical professionals.
• Avoid any unneeded movement: Keep the person still. Excessive movement can worsen symptoms.
• do not leave the person alone: Stay with them continuously to monitor their condition and provide reassurance.
• Do not attempt to treat the reaction with home remedies: Stick to the ASCIA action plan and instructions from emergency services.

Never give an individual experiencing anaphylaxis anything to eat or drink. This is especially crucial because it could lead to choking or exacerbate their reaction.

Myths vs. Facts About Anaphylaxis First Aid

There are many misconceptions about how to manage an anaphylactic reaction. it’s essential to distinguish between these myths and the factual,life-saving steps supported by medical guidance.

myth	Fact
Giving adrenaline can harm the person.	Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis; it can reverse life-threatening symptoms.
If someone has mild symptoms, an epinephrine injector isn’t necessary.	Even seemingly mild symptoms can escalate rapidly.Prompt action is essential.
If the person appears to improve on their own,further medical care isn’t needed.	Symptoms can return hours later; hospitalization is crucial for observation.
Anaphylaxis is always caused by food allergies.	While food is a common trigger, other causes include insect stings, medications, and latex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding anaphylaxis first aid:

What if I don’t know what caused the anaphylaxis?

Administer epinephrine if you suspect anaphylaxis, nonetheless of the trigger. Call emergency services promptly.Do not hesitate if you are unsure of the cause; the priority is to act quickly.

Can I give a second dose of epinephrine?

Yes, if there’s no enhancement after 5-15 minutes, give a second dose if available and authorized in the ASCIA Action Plan. Ensure emergency services are aware.

What should I do after the epinephrine has been administered?

Call emergency services immediately. After giving the injection, carefully note the time it was administered and follow their instructions.The person should always go to the hospital for observation.