A severe allergic reaction at work: what should you do?
An employee who suddenly finds it difficult to breathe after lunch. A colleague who feels dizzy and starts to swell up after being stung by a wasp. It doesn’t normally happen every day, but if it does happen, it can be life-threatening. We therefore regularly receive enquiries about severe allergic reactions in the workplace. What should you do if someone goes into anaphylactic shock? Can an EpiPen be kept in the first-aid kit? And who is actually allowed to administer such an injection? Here is an overview.
What is an anaphylactic reaction?
An anaphylactic reaction is a severe allergic reaction that can develop very rapidly. Without prompt first aid the situation could take a very serious turn or prove fatal.
The reaction may be caused by, amongst other things, food, medicines or insect stings or bites.
Possible symptoms include:
swelling of the lips, tongue, eyelids or throat
wheezing or breathing difficulties
feeling of dizziness
redness and itching
a rapid pulse or a drop in blood pressure
loss of consciousness
Have you noticed any of these symptoms suddenly appearing in an employee? Notify the first-aider or a competent helper immediately.
What is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen is a single-use auto-injector used to administer a dose of adrenaline in an emergency. That adrenaline helps to slow down the severe allergic reaction and can be life-saving.
People with a known severe allergy are often prescribed an EpiPen by their doctor and should always carry one with them. It is vital that these employees inform their line manager and, where appropriate, their colleagues of this themselves. Conversely, however, you must not ask or require employees to share medical information.
Can an EpiPen be kept in the first-aid kit?
That’s one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is simple: no.
An EpiPen is a medicine and therefore does not belong in a standard first-aid kit. Employees with a known severe allergy are responsible for ensuring they carry their prescribed EpiPen with them.
That does not mean that employers cannot do anything. On the contrary. Being well prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.
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Who is allowed to administer an EpiPen?
Under normal circumstances, a person should administer their own EpiPen. Administering medication is not, in fact, within the remit of a first-aider; however, they are permitted to hand over the EpiPen.
But what if self-administration is no longer possible? In an emergency, the legal duty to provide assistance applies, so a first-aider or a competent helper may administer the EpiPen. Are neither of them around? In that case, don’t hesitate for a second – anyone can administer the EpiPen.
EpiPen and done?
Not at all! Always notify the emergency services straight away, or get someone else to call them. When calling the emergency services on 112, be sure to state that it is an anaphylactic reaction. It is best not to take the employee to hospital yourself, as this involves additional risks.
Is the employee suffering from a cardiac arrest? Retrieve the nearest AED. This should be indicated by an icon in the workplace, but you can also use the free ‘Staying Alive’ app to find the nearest registered device at any time.
What can you do as an employer?
A severe allergic reaction does not normally occur on a daily basis. Nevertheless, you need to be prepared for the risk:
Identify known risks (e.g. outdoor work in summer, contact with food or known allergens)
Discuss with employees who have a severe allergy what support they need.
Inform managers and first-aiders about the symptoms.
Always ensure that first-aiders are adequately trained and that they take an annual refresher course.
During the first-aid courses run by Mensura, recognising an anaphylactic reaction and the correct use of an EpiPen are also covered.
Being prepared saves lives
Nobody expects an allergic emergency to occur. But when it happens, there’s no time to go looking for information.
By establishing procedures in advance, raising staff awareness and providing the right training, you can ensure that your organisation is ready to respond quickly and appropriately when every second counts.