Think someone is having anaphylaxis?
Use their adrenaline auto-injector (if they have one) and call 999 immediately. Say "anaphylaxis".
📞 Call 999Warning Signs
Breathing Difficulty
Wheezing, struggling to breathe, feeling like throat is closing, noisy breathing
Swelling
Swelling of tongue, throat, lips, or face. May feel tongue is too big for mouth.
Skin Changes
Raised, itchy rash (hives), flushed or pale skin, feeling hot
Fast Heartbeat
Racing heart, palpitations, feeling of doom or panic
Feeling Faint or Dizzy
Lightheaded, confused, may collapse or lose consciousness
Stomach Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea
Common Triggers
Anaphylaxis can happen within minutes of exposure to:
What to Do
- Call 999 immediately Say "anaphylaxis" or "severe allergic reaction"
- Use their adrenaline auto-injector If they have one (EpiPen, Jext, Emerade) - use it into outer thigh. See instructions below.
- Help them lie down Flat on their back with legs raised - unless they're struggling to breathe, then let them sit up
- Remove the trigger if possible Stop eating the food, remove the bee sting (scrape it off, don't squeeze)
- Use a second auto-injector after 5-15 minutes If symptoms don't improve and they have a second pen
- Start CPR if they become unresponsive If they stop breathing normally, begin chest compressions
Using an Adrenaline Auto-Injector
Auto-injectors (EpiPen, Jext, Emerade) are simple to use - don't be afraid:
- Remove the safety cap
- Hold firmly against outer thigh (through clothing is fine)
- Press until you hear/feel a click
- Hold for 10 seconds
- Remove and massage the area
Even if you're not sure it's anaphylaxis, using adrenaline won't cause harm - but not using it could be fatal.
Do NOT:
- Let them stand up - they could collapse from low blood pressure
- Wait to see if symptoms improve before calling 999
- Rely on antihistamines alone - they're too slow for anaphylaxis
- Leave them alone
After Anaphylaxis
Even if adrenaline helps, the person must go to hospital. Symptoms can return hours later (biphasic reaction).
They'll usually be observed in hospital for at least 6-12 hours.
Download
Anaphylaxis Action Guide
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