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FOR HEALTH EMERGENCIES

Module 3:
Environmental Injuries

Session 1: Allergies

Standard First Aid

(SFA)
19/09/2019 1
 Objectives
At the end of this session, the participants should be
able to:
• Identify the causes of allergic reactions;
• Differentiate signs and symptoms of mild and
severe allergic reactions; and
• Apply appropriate first aid for persons suffering
from allergic reactions.

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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 Allergic reaction

• over-reaction of
protective mechanisms
to substances that are
normally harmless
• can be mild or
life-threatening

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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 Triggers of allergic reactions

• Food
• Medications
• Chemicals
• Insect bites, stings
• Plants

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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Allergic reaction: signs & symptoms
Mild
• Sneezing
• itchy, runny nose causing
irritation, persistent
cough
• itchy, tingling, or burning
flushing of the skin
• skin hives
• swelling of face, neck,
hands, feet and / or
tongue
Standard First Aid (SFA)
Severe (Anaphylaxis)
• shock causing pale skin,
dizziness
• loss of consciousness
• Respiratory difficulty
(Hoarseness, wheezing)
• Cardiovascular effects
(hypotension and fast
pulse)
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 What to do for allergic reaction
• Assess ABCs
• Call for emergency medical assistance
• Remove the potential source of the allergic
reaction
• Assist the person in taking anti-allergy
medications
• Have the patient rest calmly
• Provide fresh air
• Help patient lie down
• Loosen tight clothing

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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 For Anaphylaxis
• Inject the pre-filled EpiPen.
• When the person with
anaphylaxis does not
respond to the initial dose,
and arrival of advanced
care is expected to exceed
5 to 10 minutes, repeat
dose may be considered.
http://www.pinsdaddy.com/emerg
ency-epinephrine-syringe

Reference: AHA 2015 guidelines (eccguidelines.heart.org)

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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 Objectives
Were we able to meet the objectives?

• Identify the causes of allergic reactions

• Differentiate signs and symptoms of mild and
severe allergic reactions
• Apply appropriate first aid for persons suffering
from allergic reactions

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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Questions?

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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References

• American Heart Association 2015 Guidelines, accessed at

eccguidelines.heart.org
• Harvard Medical School, Anaphylaxis: An overwhelming
allergic reaction, September 2009, accessed at
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-
conditions/anaphylaxis-an-overwhelming-allergic-
reaction

Standard First Aid (SFA)

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