IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE AT RISK IS HAVING A SEVERE REACTION IMMEDIATELY LAY THEM DOWN AND ADMINISTER THE AUTOINJECTOR. (If they are having trouble breathing, let them sit up but not stand up)

THEN, after giving the adrenaline autoinjector:

Dial 000 and state calmly:

• That the individual is allergic to “…..” (e.g. Peanut, milk, bee sting);

• The signs and symptoms they are displaying;

• The medications which have been given (e.g. adrenaline auto-injector, antihistamine);

• Time medication given;

• Nearest cross streets ;

• Phone number you are calling from.

In most circumstances, if the individual requiring the ambulance is in a potentially life threatening condition, ambulance personnel will stay on the phone with you until the ambulance arrives. Once the ambulance arrives, the officers will quickly assess the emergency, administer medication if required and transport the individual to the nearest emergency department for further treatment and observation. During transport, be sure the individual is kept in a lying position or if breathing difficult, sitting on stretcher with legs extended in front of them. The individual should not stand as blood pressure can drop very quickly.

Once at the hospital:

• The nursing and medical staff will need to be informed of the sequence of events leading to you calling the ambulance. You also need to give medical background information including medication individual is currently prescribed.

• The patient must stay at the hospital for a minimum of four (4) hours after the last dose of adrenaline in case of the return of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (biphasic reaction). Some people may look like they are recovering from anaphylaxis but then suddenly go into another severe allergic reaction requiring more adrenaline and hospital monitoring.

• Before leaving hospital, ask for a discharge summary or letter, which will detail the treatment received, medications administered and follow up required by your GP and allergy specialist.

• On discharge, the hospital doctor must prescribe an adrenaline autoinjector to replace the one which was used. If the patient is discharged without a prescription for an adrenaline autoinjector, they are at risk of being unprepared for a future reaction.

• Emergency doctors can prescribe an adrenaline autoinjector on the PBS if a person has just experienced their first allergic reaction requiring adrenaline.

• Make an appointment to see your allergist for a follow-up consultation as soon as possible.