Gain Knowledge That Could Save Someone’s Life via First Aid Training in Purley | Gillett Training Services
One thing that should be covered on most first aid training, paediatric first aid training and emergency first aid training courses is what to do in an anaphylaxis emergency. This is an essential part of our first aid at work and first aid for schools courses, which we provide in and around the Purley area, and involve a heavy practical component. But if you’re looking for a brief refresher, or simply want an overview to better understand the basics of what’s happening in these emergency situations, read on…
Dealing With Anaphylaxis Emergencies
Anaphylaxis is the most serious form of allergic reaction that someone can have, quickly endangering a person’s life if not dealt with appropriately. They typically occur within 20 minutes to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen. This is why many individuals, businesses and schools around Purley find first aid training, paediatric first aid training and emergency first aid training to be so, so important – these types of urgent situations in which an ambulance crew may not be in the immediate vicinity.
Triggers – There’s a real range of allergenic triggers that can cause an anaphylaxis emergency, including:
- Food (including all common allergies such as: fish, nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat and shellfish)
- Animal bites and stings (e.g bees, ants and wasps)
- Medications of all types
- Materials (e.g latex)
- Strenuous exercise
- Other non-identifiable triggers
If you operate a business premises or school around the Purley area, it’s important that you take note of any new starters’ allergies – especially when they are known to be severe – so you can create a safe and protective environment. Prevention is always better than cure, and while learning first for schools or first aid at work is always valuable, we don’t want to have to put these skills into use if it’s avoidable!
Symptoms – So how do you know someone might be suffering an anaphylaxis emergency? There are a range of symptoms you might encounter, ranging from subtle and non-threatening, to life threatening. Keep an eye out for:
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Racing or slow, weak pulse
- Difficulties breathing
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Wheezing or coughing
- Itchy, flushed or pale skin / rashes
As Purley residents will learn during first aid training, emergency first aid training and paediatric first aid training courses, even the more subtle symptoms should be treated as an emergency, as conditions can suddenly worsen during an anaphylaxis episode.
Treatment – Most persons who are aware of the possibility of suffering severe reactions to allergens will carry EpiPens. Sites should be equipped with spare EpiPens just in case they are not. Part of our first aid at work and first aid for schools courses will ensure you know how to effectively administer an EpiPen. If a patient’s heart or breath stops during an anaphylaxis emergency, it may prove necessary to administer CPR while medical professionals are en route. CPR is a core part of first aid training, paediatric first aid training and emergency first aid training – so do ensure that someone trained in this life saving procedure is always on site.