What to Do in an Emergency
If someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, follow these 5 emergency steps:
- Give epinephrine (e.g. EpiPen® ) at the first sign of a known or suspected anaphylactic reaction.
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services and tell them that someone is having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Give a second dose of epinephrine as early as 5 minutes after the first dose if there is no improvement in symptoms.
- Go to the nearest hospital right away (ideally by ambulance), even if symptoms are mild or have stopped. The reaction could get worse or come back.
- Call emergency contact persons (e.g., parent, guardian, spouse).
Don’t delay in giving epinephrine! That’s one of the most common mistakes people make during anaphylactic reactions. Epinephrine is safe, and it can save a life. Don’t hesitate to use it.