ANAPHYLAXIS EMERGENCY PROTOCOL

1. “Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction, which can be fatal, requiring immediate medical emergency measures.”
2. An anaphylactic reaction can involve any of the following symptoms, which may appear alone or in any combination.
   1. Skin: hives, swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash
   2. Respiratory (breathing): wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain tightness, nasal congestion or hay fever like symptoms (runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing
   3. Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
   4. Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy, lightheaded, shock
   5. Other: anxiety, feeling of impending doom, headache, uterine cramps in females
3. The most dangerous symptoms involve:
   1. Breathing difficulty
   2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, weak
4. Do not ignore early symptoms, especially if the person has had an anaphylactic reaction in the past.
5. Anaphylaxis can occur without hives.
6. When a reaction begins respond immediately.
7. What to do if you feel a child is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?
   1. Administer single dose Epinephrine auto-injector such as EpiPen.
   2. Follow the emergency protocol on the Anaphylaxis Action Form (Form 317-2) developed for this person.
   3. Call an ambulance and inform them of suspected Anaphylaxis reaction.
   4. Contact the Principal or school first aid person.
   5. Contact the student’s parent.

Note: This document is to be posted in or near the spot designated in your school to treat students who require medical attention.