ST JOHN AMBULANCE: How to deal with anaphylactic shock


This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction which affects the whole body.
In susceptible individuals it may develop within seconds or minutes of contact with the trigger factor and is potentially fatal.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPossible triggers can include skin or airborne contact with particular materials, the injection of a specific drug, the sting of a certain insect or the ingestion of a food such as peanuts.
To help recognise anaphylactic shock in a casualty, look for the following symptoms:
• Impaired breathing – this may range from a tight chest to severe difficulty.
• Wheezing or gasping for air.
• Signs of shock.
• Widespread blotchy skin eruption.
• Swelling of the tongue and throat.
• Puffiness around the eye.
• Anxiety.
To help, follows these simple steps:
• Dial 999/112 for emergency help.
• Give the operator any information you have on the cause of the casualty’s condition.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad• Check whether the casualty is carrying any necessary medication. If she is, help her to use it.
If the casualty is conscious:
• Help her to sit up in a position that most relieves any breathing difficulty, this is usually sitting up and leaning forward slightly.
If the casualty becomes unconscious:
• Open the airway and check breathing.
• If the casualty is breathing normally, place her in the recovery position.
• If the casualty is not breathing, begin CPR.
For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website (www.sja.org.uk) offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFor more information about first aid courses please call 0303 003 0101.
• For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website (www.sja.org.uk) offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice. For more information about first aid courses please call 0303 003 0101.
---
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad1) Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonGazette
3) Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.