Allergists: giving adrenaline to a person in anaphylactic shock is part of first aid

Rapid administration of adrenaline can save the life of a person in anaphylactic shock - remind experts from the Polish Society of Allergology. Thanks to legal changes, this action is now an element of first aid and our moral duty - they emphasize.

"Anaphylaxis leaves no room for hesitation. It is a race against time, in which every minute of delay reduces the chances of survival. That is why education, the courage to react and easy access to life-saving drugs are so important," emphasized the president of the Polish Society of Allergology (PTA), Prof. Radosław Gawlik, quoted in a press release sent to PAP.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and rapidly developing reaction of the body to a factor (usually an allergen) that can quickly lead to death. It is accompanied by a sudden drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, swelling of the throat and face, loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.

In Poland, up to 130,000 people experience anaphylaxis each year, and according to estimates, 40 to 120 of them die. According to estimates, these numbers may be underestimated, however, because anaphylactic shock is not always correctly recognized by both patients and medical personnel. Moreover, no population is subject to screening-style activities that would allow for early identification of people who are particularly vulnerable to a severe, generalized allergic reaction, the experts emphasized.

The only known and documented risk factor for anaphylactic shock is having had anaphylaxis in the past. However, this risk also applies to all people with a diagnosed allergy, especially to food, drugs or insect venom, but also to those who have not had any allergic manifestations so far.

Anaphylaxis is most often caused by food (33% of cases), especially peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. Other causes of anaphylaxis include: Hymenoptera stings (19%) and drugs, such as antibiotics, painkillers, or contrast agents used in diagnostic imaging (14%). In children, as many as 85% of anaphylactic shock cases are caused by food.

PTA experts pointed out that when anaphylaxis occurs, it is crucial not only to call the emergency services, but above all to administer adrenaline as quickly as possible – by the person in shock or by third parties. Adrenaline is a drug that can save lives.

"Of course, calling the emergency services is the first reflex and a very important step. But we must be aware that the crucial minutes pass for the injured person from the moment they make the call to the arrival of the ambulance. We are also never sure whether the reaction was caused by food, medication or a sting, which is why we cannot wait for the situation to 'develop'," commented Prof. Gawlik. He emphasized that it is important to react immediately. "It is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal one. Each witness to the event is obliged to provide first aid to a person in a state of health or life threat. In such moments, the quick use of adrenaline is crucial," emphasized the allergist.

Experts have assessed that thanks to two important changes that have recently taken place, saving the lives of people in anaphylactic shock will be easier.

The first is to include adrenaline in auto-injectors on the reimbursement list. Until now, purchasing the drug was a huge financial burden for many families, but thanks to reimbursement, this will change.

The second important step was the amendment of the definition of first aid in the State Emergency Medical Services Act. After years of legal ambiguity, it clearly stated that administering adrenaline to a person in anaphylactic shock is an action within the scope of first aid. This means that every person, e.g. a teacher, carer or a bystander, has not only the right but also the moral obligation to administer this medicine.

"This change can save more lives than any training. Thanks to it, adrenaline can be administered immediately, without waiting for an ambulance, without decision-making paralysis and without fear of legal consequences. Finally, we have clarity that in a life-threatening situation, you don't have to be a doctor to act," said Prof. Zbigniew Bartuzi, chairman of the Food Allergy Section of the Polish Association of Animals and Animals Association. In his opinion, thanks to the reimbursement and the change in the definition in the act, one of the biggest barriers to saving people experiencing anaphylactic shock, i.e. the fear of action, is disappearing. "Now it's time for education and courage," the expert noted.

PTA specialists emphasized that despite positive changes, there is still a lack of real action in the field. Most schools and kindergartens have neither medicines nor response procedures. The staff is often not trained. Adrenaline auto-injectors are not available in public spaces, like AED defibrillators, which are present in shopping malls, offices or airports.

"As a medical community, we have been calling for adrenaline to be available wherever anaphylactic shock may occur for years. An unquestionably good practice that we should draw from was the significant increase in the availability of defibrillators. Now it's time for the next step. Adrenaline must be present in the first aid kits of educational institutions, public transport, and sports facilities," appealed Prof. Gawlik.

In order to increase awareness of anaphylaxis and the possibilities of helping people in anaphylactic shock, the PTA has been conducting educational activities for years. The society's website (www.pta.med.pl) offers free educational materials: instructions, infographics, a plan of action in anaphylaxis and a guide for schools and kindergartens.

"Changes in the law are a huge step forward, but to really unleash their potential, we need social awareness and the courage to act. Without this knowledge, even the best solutions may remain unused," concluded PTA Managing Director Anna Ben Drissi. (PAP)

Science in Poland

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