Five to Stay Alive!

While managing allergies and anaphylaxis has become the norm for most of us, for those AMAZING friends and family who interact with our loved ones with allergies, the thought can be overwhelming (to say the least)!  OrAAA wants to help you out!  Check out our Five to Stay Alive (and share them with those awesome loved ones)!!

1. Learn The Signs of Anaphylaxis

First and foremost,  the best way to ensure your kiddo (or other loved one) gets assistance quickly is to ensure that everyone around them is aware of the signs of anaphylaxis!  You can learn more about the signs of anaphylaxis here.

2. Know your loved one's Emergency Action Plan.

Has your allergist given you an Emergency Action Plan or Food Allergy Action Plan?  Make sure you know what your loved one's plan says.

3. Take 2...Every time, All the time!

Did you know that an recent study found that only (approximately) 40% of patients had epinephrine with them (at appointment time) despite 60% knowing that they needed to carry it all the time (study here)?  Make sure you have AT LEAST two epinephrine auto-injectors with you all the time!  FARE has some great door hangers (here) that can help remind you and your loved one!

4. Learn how to administer Epinephrine.

Since successful administration of epinephrine is key to good outcomes, it is imperative that everyone around your loved one knows where their epinephrine is kept and how to administer it.

More than likely (if you are in the US), your loved one is carrying one of 3 auto-injectors.

If your loved one has an EpiPen, EpiPen Jr., or Adrenaclick, check out this video for a quick how-to on these auto-injectors.

If your loved one has an Auvi-Q, check out this video!

5. Make sure you (or your loved one) are wearing Medical Id Jewelry.

In an emergency, Medical Id Jewelry is the best way to ensure someone can tell responders important health information about your child quickly!  Vital info to include: Name, Allergy, medication (and location if possible).  You can read here for more information from FARE about the importance of Id!

Remember, while reactions can be frightening, preparation can make it SO much easier!