This month our article has been created around another sad news story of a young boy losing his life after a suspected allergic reaction, complicated by his Asthma as well.
News Story: Bow pupil Nasar Ahmed died from allergic reaction
The story suggests there was confusion among first aiders about whether to use a adrenaline auto injector, normally called the to the branded version (EpiPen). This was complicated by what was being told to the 999 call, regarding the casualties Asthma.
The report states that the use of the EpiPen would not have made the situation worse, and could have made a difference, however this is not conclusive. We are saddened by this story, and it shows how important it is to ensure adequate training for staff, including Adult and Paaediatric First Aid Qualifications, and further training on the correct use of life saving treatment like how to use an Asthma Inhaler, and also how to use adrenaline auto injectors.
All our courses cover the safe us of EpiPens, with candidates able to use the training devices. These can be requested from the supplier for free via their website. So you can do this training internally if required. We would recommend having an expert carry out this training, to allow questions to be answered, and ensure all candidates are clear on its use.
What can cause anaphylaxis?
Common causes include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts), sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.
Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drug or injection.
In some people, exercise can trigger a severe reaction — either on its own or in combination with other factors such as food or drugs (e.g. aspirin).
What are the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction?
- generalised flushing of the skin
- nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body
- sense of impending doom
- swelling of throat and mouth
- difficulty in swallowing or speaking
- alterations in heart rate
- severe asthma
- abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure)
- collapse and unconsciousness
A patient would not necessarily experience all of these symptoms in the same episode.
There are several different types of reaction which could occur:
- Uniphasic – these come on quickly and symptoms get rapidly worse, but once treated, the symptoms go and don’t return.
- Bi-phasic – these are reactions which may be mild or severe to start with, followed by a period of time when there are no symptoms, and then increasing symptoms with breathing and blood-pressure problems.
More information can be found on the Anaphylaxis website…
Treatment of a sever allergic reaction
- Call 999/112. Be clear about their symptoms, and any other medical conditions.
- Use available medication.
- Sit the casualty in a comfortable position
- Monitor casualty and be prepared to carry out resuscitation if the casualty becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.
We would strongly recommend carrying out regular refresher training to ensure first aiders knowledge is up to date, and they would know how to act.
Schools are now allowed to have spare Inhalers and EpiPens, and we can offer further advice on these guidelines. These can make a huge difference to serious medical emergencies.
