What should you know about Resuscitation Council UK anaphylaxis guidance?

Anaphylaxis can develop quickly after food, medicine, an insect sting or another trigger. Signs may include swelling of the lips or tongue, hoarse voice, trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, dizziness, collapse, or widespread skin symptoms. Skin changes may be absent, so a serious breathing or circulation problem still needs emergency action.

A food allergy is one possible trigger, but anaphylaxis can follow other exposures. It is different from a mild local rash or isolated sneezing because it can affect the airway, breathing, or circulation.

Lay the person flat with legs raised if possible. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with legs extended; do not let them stand or walk. Give the adrenaline auto-injector into the outer thigh through clothing if necessary, following its instructions. Call emergency services, state that anaphylaxis is suspected, and report the time adrenaline was given. A second device may be needed if symptoms do not improve and help has not arrived, according to the person’s emergency plan.

Call emergency services immediately for suspected anaphylaxis, even if symptoms improve after adrenaline. Symptoms can return and observation is needed. Start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, if you are trained to do so. Do not delay emergency care to look for an allergy explanation or give food, drink, or oral medicines.

Ask whether you need allergy testing, how to use and store your auto-injector, whether you should carry more than one device, how to recognise your personal warning signs, and what your written emergency plan should say.