If you or someone you know has a food allergy, you know how scary a reaction can be. For those not as familiar, here are the steps you should take if you find yourself in a situation where someone is having symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Immediately call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
Ask if the person is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) to treat an allergic attack.
If the person needs to use an autoinjector, ask if you should help inject the medication. This is usually done by pressing the autoinjector against the person's thigh.
Have the person lie face up and be still.
Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink.
If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person to the side to prevent choking. If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR. Do uninterrupted chest presses — about 100 every minute — until paramedics arrive.
Remember - don't wait to see whether symptoms get better. Seek emergency treatment right away. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within half an hour!
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