ALLERGIES

Recognition and Management of a Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis) May Be the Only Thing Standing Between a Patient and Imminent Death.

ALLERGIES

• Identify a Patient Having an Allergic Reaction
• Differences Between a Mild Allergic Reaction and Anaphylaxis
• How to Treat a Patient Having an Allergic Reaction
• How to Assist With an Epi Auto-Injector

ALLERGIES

• Allergic Reaction
• An Exaggerated Immune Response to Any Substance

ALLERGIES

• Anaphylaxis
• A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Which Causes Airway Swelling and Shock (Hypoperfusion)

ALLERGIES

• Common Possible Causes
• Insects - Bees, Wasps, etc.
• Foods - Nuts, Fruits, Chocolate, Shellfish
• Plants
• Medications
• Other Substances

ALLERGIES

• Skin
• May Report Having Tingling Sensation

• Face, Mouth, Chest, Feet and/or Hands

• Itching
• Hives
• Red Flushed Color
• Swelling

• Face, Neck, Hands, Feet and/or Tongue

ALLERGIES

• Respiratory System
• May Report Tightness in Throat / Chest
• Cough
• Rapid, Noisy Breathing
• Labored Breathing

ALLERGIES

• Respiratory System
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness (Losing Voice)
• Stridor

ALLERGIES

• Cardiac
• Increased Rate
• Decreased Blood Pressure

ALLERGIES

• Generalized Findings
• Watery, Itchy Eyes
• Headache
• Sense of Impeding Doom
• Runny Nose

• Decreasing Mental Status

ALLERGIES

• Findings That Reveal Hypotension and/or Respiratory Distress is a Severe Allergic Reaction
• These Patients Deteriorate Quickly !!!

Emergency Care of Allergic Reaction With Respiratory Distress and/or Hypotension

• Perform Initial Assessment
• Focused History & Exam
• History of Allergies?
• What Was Patient Exposed To?
• How Were They Exposed?
• What Effects?
• Progression?
• Interventions?
• Baseline Vitals & SAMPLE History
• O2 if Not Done During Initial Assessment
• Does Patient Have Prescribed Epi-Pen?
• If NO Epi-Pen
• Treat for Shock
• Get ALS
• Get Going Immediately
• If Patient HAS Prescribed Epi-Pen
• Prepare to Administer
• Contact Medical Command

• Protocol
• On-Line

• Record Time of Medication Administration
• Reassess in 2 Minutes
• Record Findings of Ongoing Assessment

ALLERGY

• Allergic Reaction Without S&S Respiratory Distress or Hypotension
• No Wheezing
• Normotensive
• Consult Medical Direction
• May Be No Need for Epi-Pen
• Reassess Often
• Prepare for Deterioration

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

• May Need Aggressive Airway Mgt
• Immediate Recognition
• Airway Swelling
• Respiratory Compromise
• May Deteriorate Rapidly

EPINEPHRINE TRIVIA

• Adrenaline - Naturally Occurring
• Secreted by the Adrenal Gland on the Kidney
• Latin
• ad+renes (Renal)
• Greek
• epi+nephros (Nephrology - Study of the Kidneys)
• Meaning is the Same - "On / To The Kidney"

Epinephrine Notes

Indications

Contraindications

Medication Form

Dosage

Administration

Actions

Side Effects

Reassessment Strategies