Downloads
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ASHCROFT LEADS
- Doctor: Dr Sudhir Krishnan
- Nurse: –
- Admin:
DATE REVIEWED:
20th June 2019
DATE OF NEXT REVIEW:
June 2020
The Policy/Protocol
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition, usually occurring from allergies or adverse reactions to bee & wasp stings, certain foods like nuts etc. The patient will usually present with difficulty breathing.
Immediate Action
- Summon doctor or nurse ASAP
- Call for blue light 999 ambulance – say “severe anaphylaxis”
- Treatment is by adrenaline – go and get it now! The patient’s life depends on it.
Where is the Adrenaline & Emergency Equipment?
- Adrenaline in Ashcroft Surgery is stored in the emergency drugs case located in the emergency drugs bag by the post room fire door. Additional stock is in the clean store drugs cupboard located in the nurses corridor, next to minor ops room 40. The emergency kit also includes oxygen, advisor defibrillator, ET tubes, bag and mask, airways, dressings etc.
Adrenaline Doses
Adrenaline – give IM doses of 1:1000 adrenaline (repeat after 5 min if no better)
- Adult: 500 micrograms IM (0.5 mL)
- Child >12 years: 500 micrograms IM (0.5 mL) = same as adult
- Child 6 -12 years: 300 micrograms IM (0.3 mL)
- Child <6 years: 150 micrograms IM (0.15 mL)
Life-threatening signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis:
- Airway: swelling, hoarseness, stridor
- Breathing: rapid breathing, wheeze, fatigue, cyanosis, SpO2<92%, confusion
- Circulation: pale, clammy, low blood pressure, faintness, drowsy/coma