In an emergency
Severe Allergic Reaction
A bad reaction can turn deadly in minutes.
1
Spot it
After a food, sting, or medicine: trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, or feeling faint. Trust it.
2
Use their epinephrine (EpiPen)
Help them use their own auto-injector into the outer thigh — right through clothing is fine. Hold it in place a few seconds.
3
Call 911
Every time — even if they start to feel better, they need to be seen.
4
While you wait
Have them lie back with legs up (or sit up if breathing is hard). If there's a second auto-injector and they're not improving after 5–15 minutes, it can be used.
Epinephrine is the treatment — using their own pen early is what turns this around.