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Anybody who has an anaphylactic reaction, you must activate emergency medical services. Now, within the UK, there are two numbers you can call, there are 999 or 112. Everybody knows the 999 number, but the 112 is also the European-wide number. So if you are out on holiday, you can dial 112 and you can get straight on to the emergency services. In many countries in Europe, and you are using a UK mobile for example, and you dial 999, you'd also still get through to the emergency services. When you call the emergency services, it is important to give them some basic information. You must make sure that they know this is an anaphylactic reaction. They will send someone out to you very quickly, but they will need other information from you. they will need to know who the person is, and they may ask you some other information about their age or what sex they are. Also, they're gonna to need to know where you are. Now sometimes knowing where you are is not always that easy. It may be you have travelled somewhere and are not sure of the exact address. If you are dialling from a landline phone, the emergency services can usually track you very, very easily. Have a look at the phone. It may well be that something has got the address there. Maybe a panel if you are calling from a payphone. There'll be a little card there that actually says your location. If you are dialling on a mobile phone, then tell them where you think you are. Also, they will be able to triangulate your signal from your mobile phone. So maybe they just want to know what else around you can see. Emergency medical services, when they're on the phone to you, will give you lots of information. they will be able to help you. You will be able to ask them questions. Tell them if them if the drug's been delivered. Tell them if there are any other information they need to know. If you have got any questions, ask them. If you are worried and you are dealing with somebody, they can stay on the phone right up until the paramedics arrive. And when the paramedics do arrive, you need to tell them exactly what has happened and what medical treatment you have given. If the person has had one or two auto-injectors, they will need to know that so they know what drugs that they can then give without overdosing the person. Any treatment you have given, hand those to the paramedics when they arrive. they will be able to see the exact type and make of the drug, and exactly the dose that's been given to that patient. It's worth taking a while now just to practice and make sure that you have got any emergency numbers into your phones, you know roughly where you are, and maybe put on an address card. If you are at work, it's a good idea to make sure you know who the first aiders are. Now in a workplace, you may need to have a special emergency plan. So people would know this person suffers from anaphylaxis, you would dial the emergency services, but you must also then activate the in-house first aider. If you have got any doubts about what to do in the workplace, please ask your manager. If you are working in a child setting, in a school, there will also be policies and procedures in place. There will be policies of where the drugs are kept, so in the emergency, you can access them. The most important thing, if someone is having an allergic reaction, you must dial the emergency medical services immediately and tell them you have an anaphylactic emergency.
Handling Anaphylactic Reactions: Emergency Protocol
Emergency Contact Numbers
UK Emergency Numbers:
- 999 or 112: Dial immediately for suspected anaphylactic reactions.
International Use:
If outside the UK, 112 connects to local emergency services in Europe.
Contacting Emergency Services
Provide Crucial Information:
- Indicate that it's an anaphylactic reaction for faster response.
- Provide details about the affected person, including age, gender, and location.
Locating Your Position
Landline Assistance:
Emergency services can trace landline calls easily; check nearby locations for address details.
Mobile Location:
If calling from a mobile, estimate your location, as services can triangulate your signal.
Communication with Emergency Services
Information Exchange:
EMS will guide you and answer questions. Report anaphylactic drug administration.
Handing Over Medication:
Provide paramedics with details of the drugs administered, including type and dosage.
Workplace Preparedness
Identify First Aiders:
In a workplace, know who the designated first aiders are and activate them alongside EMS.
Workplace Policies:
Follow workplace emergency plans and policies regarding anaphylaxis-prone individuals.
Monitoring While Awaiting EMS
Be Alert:
Watch for signs like loss of consciousness, increased breathing difficulties, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest.
Unconscious Victim:
If unconscious, place in the recovery position. Start CPR if they stop breathing.