EMT Basic · Chapter 21 · Review · Chapter track

Allergy and Anaphylaxis

Referencing the content of EMT-Basic training and emergency patient care

Learning objectives (11)

Define the terms allergic reaction and anaphylaxis — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Demonstrate how to remove the stinger from a honeybee sting and proper patient management following its removal — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Describe some age-related contraindications to using epinephrine to treat an allergic reaction in a geriatric patient — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Differentiate the primary assessment for a patient with a systemic allergic or anaphylactic reaction and with a local reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Discuss the steps in the primary assessment that are specific to a patient who is having an allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Explain the difference between a local response and a systemic response to allergens — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Explain the factors involved when making a transport decision for a patient having an allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Explain the importance of managing the ABCs of a patient who is having an allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Explain the rationale, including communication and documentation considerations, when determining whether to administer epinephrine to a patient who is having an allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
List the five categories of stimuli that could cause an allergic reaction or an extreme allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Review the process for providing emergency medical care to a patient who is experiencing an allergic reaction — Knowledge/skills objective (printed page 803); confirm wording in your course copy.
- MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
- FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA

Chapter web resources

Optional reading from authoritative sites. Your textbook remains the primary source for this course.

MedlinePlus anaphylaxis · NIH
Allergic emergency and epinephrine
FDA epinephrine auto-injectors · FDA
Device use context

When sources disagree (5 topics to verify before you teach from this chapter alone)

Printable study sheet Printable flashcards (PDF, 10-up)Read first, then practise the track.

Showing Chapter track material. Switch tracks on the chapter page.

Vocabulary · 11

Allergen
A substance that triggers an immune (hypersensitivity) response — common examples include foods, insect venom, latex, and medications.
SourceNIH NIAID — Allergens
Allergic reaction
An adverse immune response to an allergen, ranging from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
SourceAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis
A severe, rapidly developing systemic allergic reaction with airway, breathing, or circulatory compromise.
SourceAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Anaphylaxis
Urticaria (hives)
Raised, itchy, often blanching wheals on the skin caused by histamine release.
SourceNIH MedlinePlus — Hives (urticaria)
Angioedema
Swelling of deeper skin and mucous membrane tissues — face, lips, tongue — that can compromise the airway.
SourceNIH MedlinePlus — Angioedema
Bronchospasm
Constriction of bronchial smooth muscle that narrows the lower airways and produces wheezing.
SourceMerriam-Webster Medical Dictionary — Bronchospasm
Epinephrine
The first-line medication for anaphylaxis — a potent alpha- and beta-agonist that reverses bronchospasm, vasodilation, and edema.
SourceAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Epinephrine — anaphylaxis treatment
Epinephrine auto-injector
A pre-filled, spring-loaded device delivering a single intramuscular dose of epinephrine — adult 0.3 mg, pediatric 0.15 mg.
SourceUS FDA — Epinephrine auto-injector — patient information
IgE
The antibody class that binds allergens and mast cells to trigger immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
SourceNIH NIAID — IgE-mediated allergy
Mast cell
An immune cell that releases histamine and other mediators during allergic reactions.
SourceNIH NIAID — Mast cells in allergy
Biphasic reaction
A recurrence of anaphylactic symptoms hours after the initial reaction has resolved, even without re-exposure.
SourceAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Biphasic anaphylaxis

Sequences · 2

Field treatment of anaphylaxis — Order EMT priorities when anaphylaxis is recognized.
Allergic reaction progression to anaphylaxis — Order these findings from earliest local reaction to full anaphylaxis.