Anaphylaxis Emergency First Aid

Series Summary

Allergic reactions are caused by skin contact, injection, inhalation, or ingestion of an allergen. An allergen can be almost anything and reactions can very from mild to severe and fatal reactions. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock are the most severe allergic reactions and can cause death if left untreated. Diagnosing an anaphylactic reaction and responding appropriately could save someone's life.

In this free video series, learn all about anaphylactic allergic reactions from paramedic and firefighter Josh Wells. Josh will teach you basic essentials for diagnosing and avoiding anaphylaxis. You will also learn what are some common and uncommon causes of anaphylaxis. Find out some home first aid treatments (such as using an epi pen) for anaphylaxis should medical care be unaccessible. Additionally Josh will tell you how paramedics treat anaphylaxis and what equipment they use. Understanding the cause and treatment of anaphylaxis can help you avoid an anaphylactic reaction and help you care for someone suffering from anaphylaxis.

Video Transcript

"Here's an example of an anaphylactic reaction and the correct treatment that should occur. Here a young male who's just got stung by a bee. First thing he does is he notices that it's obvious it's a bee sting. First thing he wants to do is remove himself from the area to make sure he doesn't get stung again and then he removes the stinger from his arm. Now, after getting stung by the bee, he begins to notice that some hives develop on his arm. He also has some redness and swelling. Not long after, he begins to cough. He has a little bit of tightness in his throat and is heart rate is elevated. He also begins to feel a little bit dizzy. He also begins to feel a little bit nauseous and slightly confused. He also begins to feel some diarrhea. Now, the first thing he wants to do, is he realizes this could be an anaphylactic reaction so he immediately has a friend call 911 for him. Once emergency medical personnel is notified, the treatment he considers is he takes a couple of Benadryl that his friend has laying around the house. If he had access to an Epipen he could give that. If he had an inhaler, he could use that. And if he had oxygen at home, he could also do that. Now, while he's waiting for medical personnel to arrive, he also makes a list of any allergies he knows he has. Gives a list of any medications he's currently taking and also writes out any history of health problems that he's had in the past."