First Aid procedures: anaphylactic shock in adults

Often people know they suffer from this condition and carry medication in the form of an auto-injector. Ask the person if they are allergic to anything.

What is it?

Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings or drugs, which results in rapid chemical changes in the body. The most common triggers are nuts, eggs, shellfish, pollen, dust, latex, certain medications, wasps and bee stings.

Symptoms

• Blood vessels dilate, producing red, blotchy skin
• Air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties
• Face and neck may swell
• Heart, brain and lungs may suffer from a dramatic drop in oxygen supply
• Casualty may wheeze and gasp for air

First aid aims

• Get emergency help
• Resuscitate, if necessary

Actions

• Call 999
• If the person is conscious and has medication (such as an auto-injector) help them to use it, if they unable to do it themselves and you have been trained, hold the auto-injector in your fist, and pull off the safety cap and press tip against their thigh through their clothing. This will automatically inject the person with the drug.
• Help casualty to sit in an upright position that helps with breathing

Further actions

• Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary

The British Red Cross last medically reviewed this article in December 2009.