How to Treat Severe Allergic Reactions in the Wilderness

Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction usually triggered by bee stings, insect bites, certain drugs and foods. The reaction may be fatal within minutes, so prompt treatment is imperative.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Injectable Epinephrine
• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Antihistamines
• First Aid Kits
• Medic Alert Bracelet
• Evacuation Insurance

1. Know in advance what your companions are allergic to and where they keep their inhalers, epinephrine kits and allergy medications. Consider wearing a medic alert bracelet if you know you are susceptible to anaphylactic shock.

2. Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis: difficulty breathing, wheezing, rash, itching, hives, swelling of the feet, hands, eyes or face, flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid pulse.

3. Remove the person from contact with the allergen, if the allergen is suspected to be something in the air or on the skin.

4. Administer injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) immediately if the person is having difficulty talking or breathing. Epinephrine is usually prescribed in an Anakit or Epipen with a preloaded syringe, and injected intramuscularly in the thigh for rapid absorption.

5. Monitor airway, breathing and circulation.

6. Treat for shock.

7. Inject a second dose of epinephrine within 12 to 15 minutes after the first dose was administered, to prevent a relapse. Most kits contain at least two doses.

8. Administer an oral antihistamine once the epinephrine has taken effect and the person is able to take the medication by himself or herself.

9. Hydrate well.

10. Evacuate immediately, administering oral antihistamines at regular intervals until the person has reached professional medical care.

Tips & Warnings

• Most people who know if they are susceptible to anaphylactic shock will carry an Anakit or Epipen. Find out what they are allergic to, where they keep their kit and how their injections are administered, so that you can assist them in an emergency situation.
• Guides and leaders bringing others into remote areas might think about carrying an Anakit or Epipen in their first aid kit. Consult a doctor.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[WeeSandy]

on 5/24/2007 WARNING - not everyone can survive the use of epinephrine, such as Anakit or Epipen use!! If the person has certain heart conditions, using these can kill him or her. You can not necessarily tell whether the person has these heart conditions; even young people can have them.

Often the best treatment for a conscious victim of severe allergic reaction is Benadryl and as much heated water as the person can drink. Follow the A-B-C instructions above (Airway-Breathing-Circulation) if the person becomes unconscious, but I would never recommend using epinephrine unless the person is personally carrying an Anakit or Epipen.

If she or he is not carrying Anakit or Epipen, it may be because there is a history of serious heart problems. Don't take the risk - epinephrine can kill someone more certainly than even anaphylactic shock. If in doubt, DON'T USE IT. Get medical help quickly!!