Bee & Wasp sting allergies - Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock, the most serious of allergic reactions, is a life-threatening medical emergency because of rapid constriction of the airway, often within minutes of onset. Note: Sierra Club Medical kits do NOT contain EpiPens, so participants are responsible for bringing their own. If you have any reason to be concerned that anaphylaxis will occur even before you see signs (i.e., patient with a known history or anaphylactic reactions to bee stings) administer Benadryl ASAP after exposure to the allergen.
If the airway starts to constrict, use an EpiPen to administer epinephrine (adrenaline) via a shot in the thigh. Give Oral antihistamines if patient is able to swallow (e.g. oral diphenhydramine [Benadryl®] :50-100mg every 4-6 hours).
Two EpiPens are recommended, because of the time to get evacuated or possible malfunction (this is quite rare, but it does happen occasionally, whether because of a manufacturing defect or because of exposure to temperature extremes), or one EpiPen might not be enough. EpiPens have a relatively short shelf-life of about 1-2 years. See: Sierra Club Leader Notes: Certification to Carry an EpiPen and Anaphylaxis Protocol at ClubHouse
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