Immediate allergic reaction: Identify the signs and apply appropriate first aid

Have you ever wondered how to react to an acute allergic reaction? Identifying the signs quickly can be vital, especially if you or someone close to you is prone to allergies. This article guides you through the essential steps for recognising an immediate allergic reaction and the first aid to be administered. Knowing what to do in these critical moments can save lives.

Rapid recognition of allergy symptoms

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and often occur without warning. Common symptoms include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, throat or hands, and breathing difficulties. Other less obvious signs may include nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Knowing these signs is crucial to acting quickly.

Essential first aid

In the event of an allergic reaction, the first thing to do is to check whether the person affected is wearing an epinephrine auto-injector. If this is the case, and the reaction seems severe, epinephrine should be administered immediately. It is then important to contact emergency medical services. If the person is able to do so, they should remain calm and try to sit up, as this can help to regulate breathing.

Prevention: a key factor

Avoiding known allergens is the most effective preventive measure. For those at risk of severe allergic reactions, always wearing an epinephrine auto-injector and informing loved ones of their condition and how to use the injector are vital precautions. What’s more, wearing a medical identification bracelet can quickly inform emergency services in the event of an emergency.

Training and awareness-raising

It is beneficial to train in first aid specific to allergic reactions, as proposed in the IAS 2 training programme, to better manage these situations. Note that this content is not included in the IAS 1 training and BLS AED SRC programmes. This kind of preparation can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Looking to the future

With the number of allergies on the increase worldwide, it is essential to raise public awareness of allergic reactions and how to treat them. Learning how to manage these emergency situations is now an integral part of public health.