What is the treatment option for an allergic reaction/anaphylaxis in the BLS protocol?

What is the treatment option for an allergic reaction/anaphylaxis in the BLS protocol?

• A. Epinephrine auto-injector
• B. Administer aspirin
• C. Administer diphenhydramine
• D. Hydration only

Answer: (A)

When treating an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis in the BLS setting, the first-line action is to administer epinephrine using an auto-injector. Epinephrine works quickly by constricting swollen blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart contractility and airway dilation, which addresses the life-threatening parts of anaphylaxis—airway obstruction, bronchospasm, and shock. The auto-injector is designed for rapid, bystander use, letting a lay responder deliver a dose promptly before EMS arrival. After giving epinephrine, call for advanced care, monitor the patient, and place them in a position that eases breathing and circulation, supplying oxygen if available and trained to do so. Aspirin is not a treatment for anaphylaxis and can worsen bleeding or complicate the situation. Diphenhydramine might help with itching or hives but does not reverse airway swelling or hypotension quickly enough and is not a substitute for epinephrine. Hydration alone does not address the airway edema or bronchospasm seen in anaphylaxis.

When treating an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis in the BLS setting, the first-line action is to administer epinephrine using an auto-injector. Epinephrine works quickly by constricting swollen blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart contractility and airway dilation, which addresses the life-threatening parts of anaphylaxis—airway obstruction, bronchospasm, and shock. The auto-injector is designed for rapid, bystander use, letting a lay responder deliver a dose promptly before EMS arrival. After giving epinephrine, call for advanced care, monitor the patient, and place them in a position that eases breathing and circulation, supplying oxygen if available and trained to do so.

Aspirin is not a treatment for anaphylaxis and can worsen bleeding or complicate the situation. Diphenhydramine might help with itching or hives but does not reverse airway swelling or hypotension quickly enough and is not a substitute for epinephrine. Hydration alone does not address the airway edema or bronchospasm seen in anaphylaxis.