52913 DHS safety flip chart 6/1/05 4:27 PM Page 13

An allergic reaction is an unusual response to foods, chemicals, pollens, plants,

insect stings, animals, medicines, or other environmental substances (allergens). This
unusual response may take the form of a difficulty breathing, rash, cough, stuffy nose,
hives, watery eyes, diarrhea, swelling of soft tissue, etc.

A life-threatening, overwhelming allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, or anaphylac-

tic shock. It occurs very rapidly within minutes after contact with the allergen. An indi-
vidual Care Plan developed by the child’s health care provider, parents and child care
staff must be in place for the child with serious allergies. The plan must be signed by
the parent, be kept on file at the site and be posted in the child’s room.

❏ Anaphylaxis (pronounced: anna-fill-ax-is)

➔ A rapid onset of signs and symptoms which may include one or more of
the following:
• A rash with redness and swelling;
• Severe coughing;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Pale color;
• Rapid and/or irregular heart rate;
• Chest pain;
• Convulsions;
• Extreme weakness or collapse;
• High fever (in young children);
➔ Have the victim lie down and remain calm;
➔ Check for breathing, begin Rescue Breathing if necessary;
( Activate emergency medical services (911);
➔ Follow instructions in the child’s Care Plan;
➔ DO NOT attempt to give food, water, medications to the victim;
➔ Stay with the victim, keep him warm and continue to monitor breathing;
➔ If you must transport the victim, get the help of another adult to contin-
ue monitoring the victim’s breathing and transport to the nearest emer-
gency room or urgent care immediately;
➔ Notify parents;
Document the event, actions taken, calls made, and follow-up informa-
tion in the child’s file with a duplicate copy to the parent. Child care pro-
grams should notify their licensing or certifying agency of the event.

Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

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FIRST AID