What should you know about first aid for anaphylaxis without epipen?

Anaphylaxis can develop quickly after exposure to an allergen such as food, medicine, or an insect sting. Warning features include swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, pale or clammy skin, confusion, or collapse. Skin symptoms may be absent. Do not wait for every feature to appear: a rapidly worsening reaction involving breathing, circulation, or several body systems is an emergency.

Call emergency services, say that anaphylaxis is suspected, and explain that no adrenaline injector is available. Remove the trigger if this can be done safely, such as stopping food or moving away from an insect. Lay the person flat with legs raised if tolerated; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Keep them still and warm. Do not let them stand or walk. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR and follow the dispatcher’s directions.

Anaphylaxis always needs emergency assessment, even if symptoms improve. Antihistamines do not replace adrenaline for breathing or circulation problems. Do not give food, drink, or oral medicine to a person who is drowsy or having trouble swallowing. After recovery, arrange specialist advice about avoiding triggers, an emergency action plan, and access to prescribed injectors.

Ask what triggered the reaction, whether allergy testing is appropriate, how to use an adrenaline injector, and what your written emergency plan should say.