symptoms of anaphylaxis

The following procedure is based on Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI’s) anaphylaxis emergency plan2:

EP_epipen
Administer the epinephrine auto-injector at the first sign of a confirmed or suspected anaphylactic reaction.
EP_ambulance
Call 9-1-1 or local emergency medical services and inform them that someone is having an anaphylactic reaction
EP_clock
Administer another dose of epinephrine as soon as 5 minutes after the first one if no improvement in symptoms is observed.
EP_emergency_centre
Even if the symptoms have stopped, go to the nearest hospital immediately, as the reaction could worsen or come back.
EP_phone
Call the person’s relative, parent, or guardian.

Commence CPR at any time if a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.3

Even if you have sought medical help, you must stay within close proximity to a hospital or where you can easily call 911 for the next 48 hours.4

Watch the How To Use EpiPen® video now

References:

  1. Fischer D, Vander Leek TK, Ellis AK, et al. Anaphylaxis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):54.
  2. Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Anaphylaxis emergency plan. Available at: https://csaci.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Anaphylaxis-Emergency-Plan-with-EpiPen-instructions_a.pdf. Accessed on: 09 May 2024.
  3. MedlinePlus. Allergic reactions. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000005.htm. Accessed on: 09 May 2024.
  4. EpiPen Product Monograph, https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp