Severe allergic reaction
Learn how to help someone who is having an allergic reaction.
Learning objectives
- Learn how to recognise when someone is having a severe allergic reaction
- Learn the key action to help when someone is having a severe allergic reaction
- Practise applying the key action to a known situation in a role play
- Share something creative to inform others how they can help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction
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Guidance regarding giving first aid in the current coronavirus situation can be found in our News section. Please always consider your own personal safety first when delivering first aid.
Finn and Joanna are out hiking when Finn gets stung by a bee. Finn is allergic to bee stings so they have to act fast.
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Joanna and I always spend a few days of our summer holidays out in the countryside – we both love the outdoors and exploring new walks.
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We were hiking through a field when I was stung on my neck by a bee. This was a not a great situation to be in – not only did it hurt, but I also have a severe allergy to bee stings.
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My body reacted immediately. My face and hands began to swell; my skin began to itch, going red and blotchy. I started to find it difficult to talk or breathe. I was on the verge of panicking.
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Joanna knew that we needed to do something straight-away. She got me to sit down and helped calm me down. I always take my epi-pen out with me, so while Joanna called 999 I grabbed it from my bag and gave myself the injection.
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Joanna explained to the emergency services that I had had a severe allergic reaction and that I had used my epi-pen to help. We used Joanna’s phone’s mapping app to pinpoint where we were so the ambulance could find us easily.
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While we waited for help to arrive Joanna stayed with me and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. She kept reassuring me that help was on the way. I’m so grateful that she was there and kept calm.
nextWhat are the signs that someone is having a severe allergic reaction?
What is the most important thing to do if we think someone is having a severe allergic reaction?
Take action: If someone is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999 and help them to use their auto-injector.
Start OverWhat to do if someone has a severe allergic reaction
Step 1.
The person may develop a rash, itchiness or swelling on their hands, feet or face. Their breathing may slow down.
Step 2.
When you observe these symptoms, call 999 or get someone else to do it
Step 3.
If someone has a known allergy and has an auto-injector, you can help them to use it, or do it yourself following the guidance on the product.
Step 4.
Give constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Can you help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction?
Learn
These activities help young people learn what to do when someone is having a severe allergic reaction.
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Allergy – learn activity
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Allergy – learner skill guide
Practise
These activities help young people practise how to help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction.
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First aid skill - practise activity ideas
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Allergy - practise role play
Share and remember
These activities help young people to remember the key actions and share their knowledge with others.
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Secondary guidance and support
This section includes curriculum links, a teacher and educator guide and everything you need to get started.
