Fat Fat Class: Anaphylactic Shock and Adrenaline Pens

Anaphylaxis

1. What is anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylactic shock is a very serious allergic reaction. Allergens include food (such as milk, nuts, eggs, seafood, oats, and soy), drugs (such as antibiotics), and insect bites. The scary thing about it is that it develops very quickly and the effective time for rescue is very short. If you don't rescue in time, you may die in a few minutes.

2. Rescue process of anaphylactic shock

The general first aid process for anaphylactic shock includes:

1. Remove the suspected allergy-causing substance

2. Call the hospital emergency number immediately

3. Immediate intramuscular injection of epinephrine

4. Place the patient in a supine position to ensure an open airway

5. Give oxygen

6. Fluid infusion for volume resuscitation

Epinephrine is the most important emergency medicine for anaphylactic shock, which can effectively prevent life-threatening symptoms. And the sooner the patient receives an epinephrine injection, the greater the chance of survival.

EpiPen

Normally, we ordinary people do not carry epinephrine ampoules and syringes with us, nor have we received training for intramuscular injections. So once an accident occurs, we can only wait for the hospital ambulance, wasting precious rescue time. To solve this problem, scientists invented a pre-filled epinephrine pen, also known as EpiPen. (Unfortunately, it has not yet been launched in mainland China)

EpiPen's beautiful photos

Doesn’t it look like a fountain pen? Very convenient to carry.

How to use

Step 1: Hold the EpiPen and pull out the blue cap.

Step 2: Get ready for injection: the pen should be at 90 degrees to the thigh, and the orange pen tip should be about 5 cm away from the thigh.

Step 3: Press hard into the thigh. You will hear a "click" and then stay there for 3 seconds.

After the injection is completed, just remove it carefully.

Isn't it very convenient?

Anaphylactic shock management plan

In Australia, mastering the basic knowledge of anaphylactic shock and the correct use of EpiPen is a very important part of first aid training. For people at high risk of anaphylactic shock, doctors will develop the best management plan (Anaphylaxis management plan) for each person's situation.

It probably looks like this:

If you are interested, Pangpang will explain the specific content in detail later~~~

References:

1.UpToDate：Anaphylaxis: Emergency treatment

2.NPS MedicineWise: Adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen) for acute allergic anaphylaxis

3.ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis