Allergies, Asthma, & Seizures

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reaction can happen because of food, drugs, poisons, plants, inhalation or insect stings.

  • Altered level of consciousness
  • Burning sensation in the chest and throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe abdominal cramping
  • Rashes/Hives

Treatment: Activate EMS, place in position of comfort. Look for obvious bites and stings. If the patient has a prescribed Epipen, assist patient to utilize the device.

Asthma

Signs & Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Leaning forward to breath
  • Unable to make noise or speak
  • Blue lips and fingernails
  • Moist skin
  • Rapid, shallow breathing

Treatment: Activate EMS and keep patient calm. Place in position of comfort. Ask about allergies, asthma, COPD or other medical conditions. If the patient has a prescribed inhaler, assist patient to utilize the device. Check and correct ABC.

Seizures

Signs & Symptoms

  • Altered level of consciousness
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Stiffness

Treatment: Activate EMS if the reason for the seizure is unknown or it lasts for more than 5 minutes. Protect patient from further harm, place nothing in the mouth, and do not try to restrain the patient. After seizure ends, open the airway, check and correct ABC, and consider moving patient into the recovery position if patient is unconscious and breathing.

Recovery Position

  • Used when a person is breathing and unconscious
  • Helps keep airway open
  • Allows fluid to drain from mouth
  • Prevents aspiration

How to Place in Recovery Position

  • Extend victim’s arm closest to you above victim’s head
  • Place victim’s leg farthest from you, over his other leg.
  • Support head and neck
  • Place victim’s arm farthest from you across his chest
  • Roll victim towards you
  • Position victims top leg so the knee acts as a prop for the body
  • Place victim’s hand under chin to keep airway open

Safely Moving People

In general, a rescuer should not move a person unless it is necessary to provide care or there is a direct danger to the person’s life. Remember to protect the head, neck and back.

Emergency Rescue Moves

  • Clothing Drag – Grasp the shirt near the shoulders. Lift up and walk backwards dragging the patient.
  • Blanket Drag – Place the patient on blanket or sheet. Grasp at head end, lift up and walk backwards or crawl while dragging the patient.
  • Extremity drag – If necessary simply drag by holding the legs or forearms and pulling.
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