Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can close the airway or drop blood pressure within minutes. Adrenaline given early saves lives, and helping someone use their own auto-injector is a skill practised with trainers on every first aid course.

Recognising anaphylaxis

Usually minutes after a trigger such as nuts, shellfish, medicines or a sting:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; hoarse voice.
• Wheezing, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing.
• Pale, floppy, dizzy or collapsing.
• Often, but not always, a widespread rash or hives.

A mild reaction (itchy rash, sneezing) with no breathing or circulation problems is not anaphylaxis, but watch closely because it can progress.

Using an auto-injector

Brands differ, so follow the instructions printed on the device. The common steps: remove the safety cap, hold the tip against the outer thigh, press until it clicks, hold for the stated time, then remove. Keep the used injector for the paramedics.

Positioning

Do not make the person stand or walk. Sudden standing can cause collapse.

Always hospital

Even if they recover, the reaction can return. Everyone who has anaphylaxis needs to go to hospital.

If they stop breathing normally

Start CPR — see the chain of survival.

Schools, kitchens and events

Know which children or staff carry injectors and where they are kept — see school first aid and hospitality first aid.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

Swelling of the lips or throat, breathing difficulty, wheeze, dizziness or collapse, often with a rash.

Where do you inject an EpiPen?

Into the outer thigh, through clothing if necessary.

Can you give a second dose?

If there is no improvement after 5 to 10 minutes and a second injector is available.

Does someone need hospital after using an auto-injector?

Yes, always.

Should the person stand up?

No, keep them sitting or lying down.

Is a rash always present?

No.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.