What to do if a parent develops anaphylaxis

What children need to know about emergency preparedness

Advance preparation

Advice for parents and teachers

summary

When a parent or adult develops anaphylaxis, it is extremely important that those around them, especially children, can respond calmly. Children can increase the chances of saving their lives by learning in advance what to do in an emergency. Below, we will explain what children can do if a parent develops anaphylaxis, and how to prepare for it on a daily basis.

What children need to know about emergency preparedness

1. Ask for help from adults around you

It is difficult for a child to cope on their own, so they should first ask for help from nearby adults or family members.

• Example : Shout out, " Mom (Dad) isn't feeling well! Someone come! "

If there are no adults around, it's important to have the courage to take action on your own .

2. Locate and use your EpiPen

If parents have an EpiPen, it is important to know where it is in advance.

• Example of behavior :

1. Find an EpiPen in your bag or first aid kit.

2. Use the EpiPen according to the procedure you have practiced in advance

(Inject by pressing firmly into the outside of the thigh. Hold for 3 seconds.)

*Even if a child is using an EpiPen themselves, it is important for them to practice using the practice device in advance to ensure safe use.

3. Call an ambulance

Even after using an EpiPen, symptoms may worsen, so be sure to call 911 .

• Example : Over the phone, say, " A family member is experiencing anaphylaxis. They've used an EpiPen ."

It's a good idea to practice giving the address and specific situation.

4. Reassure parents

When a parent is in pain, a child can ease the psychological burden by saying things like " It's OK " and " Help is on its way ." This also helps to confirm the parent's level of consciousness .

If the parent is able to lie down, they can help adjust the position by elevating the baby's legs slightly.

Advance preparation

1. Practice using EpiPens with the whole family

By practicing how to use an EpiPen with the whole family, children will naturally learn to use it.

Using the practice device, students repeatedly review how to remove the safety cap and administer the injection.

2. Sharing EpiPen storage

It is important that your child knows where their EpiPen is kept.

• Example : A particular pocket in your bag or a medicine cabinet in your kitchen .

Use eye-catching labels and containers to make them easy to find.

3. Share emergency contacts

Have your child memorize emergency contact numbers so they can contact other adults or emergency services.

• Examples : grandparents, trusted friends in the neighborhood, teachers at school.

It is convenient to register them as an "emergency contact" on your smartphone or in your phone book.

4. Explain the situation in a way that children can understand

We explain to children in a way that they can easily understand that their parent has anaphylaxis, and share information with them while being careful not to frighten them.

For example , " Certain foods can make Mommy sick, but remember that with an EpiPen, she'll be okay. "

5. Create a concrete action plan

It outlines what parents should do if they experience anaphylaxis into simple steps that are easy for children to understand.

• example :

1. Let people around you know.

2. Take out your EpiPen and use it.

3. Call an ambulance. Dial 119.

Advice for parents and teachers

1. Promote education for children

We teach children about anaphylactic shock and the importance of EpiPens in an easy-to-understand manner.

It is also effective to ask doctors and nurses for cooperation and create opportunities to learn directly from experts.

Give your child the reassurance that they can help if something happens.

2. Establish support systems in schools and communities

Share information about your anaphylaxis with the school nurse and teachers and discuss an emergency action plan.

It may also be helpful to connect with a local allergy support group and attend emergency training and workshops.

3. Conduct regular reviews

As children grow, their ability to respond and understand changes, so we regularly review how to use EpiPens and how to respond in an emergency.

summary

It is very important for parents to educate their children so that they can respond in an emergency if they develop anaphylaxis. By sharing in advance how to use an EpiPen and how to contact emergency personnel, and by increasing the ability of the whole family to respond, it will be possible to act quickly in the event of an emergency. The key is to convey a positive message that " if you know, you can help ," rather than scaring them.