Anaphylaxis is a fast moving condition that needs to be monitored closely. The swelling and inflammatory response to the allergens (range from bee stings, antibiotics, aspirin, latex, and other medications; to all sorts of substances) begins to spread quickly throughout the body.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, light-headedness, and low blood pressure. These symptoms typically come on in minutes.

CALL THE AMBULANCE

Histamine is the substance that is release by mast cells in the body to fight the threat of the allergens. These cells are found throughout the body. Adrenaline counteracts the effects of histamine; however each application only lasts 3-5 minutes. That is why EpiPens are not useful in this situation as it’s a single dose and that’s it.

ADMINISTER ADRENLAINE 1:1000 IM (intra-muscular) IMMEDIATLEY 

The red bag emergency kit has glass vials of Adrenaline at 1:1000 (1mg/ml) concentrations. The Adrenaline is drawn out of the vials with a 1ml syringe and injected into the thigh muscle even through clothing. 

• ADULT 0.5ML 
• CHILD  0.25ML

Repeat dose every 3-5 minutes until signs and symptoms clear up.