New Treatment for Anaphylaxis
EURneffy - a new treatment for Anaphylactic Shock
What you need to know and do.
First Aiders, anyone who suffers from Anaphylaxis and their friends & family need to be aware of this new treatment option.
What is Anaphylaxis?
It is a severe and potentially deadly reaction to allergens such as nuts, bee stings and medications.
Why do I need to know about this?
If I had encountered someone suffering from anaphylaxis I would have searched their bag and pockets for an adrenalin auto-injector, as this was the only emergency treatment available. I would have ignored this nasal spray assuming it was some sort of hay fever treatment. Luckily the FAIB keeps me up to date with changes in first aid treatment.
How does the EURneffy work?
EURneffy is a nasal spray that administers a dose of adrenalin into the nose where it is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream through the nasal lining. It will still work on a person with a blocked nose or cold so always use this treatment if needed and available. The 2mg version is already available for persons weighing over 30kg, and a 1mg version for children between 15Kg and 30kg is expected to be approved this year. People can often delay using adrenalin auto-injectors as they are afraid of the needle or worried about using it correctly so this new nasal spray is likely to become a popular treatment, especially when the child version becomes available.
What do I need to do?
The most important thing is to make everyone aware that this type of treatment is available.
First Aiders - Be aware of this new device and look for it on a person suffering anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis Sufferers - If you get a EURneffy make sure your friends, family and colleagues are aware of it. Show them, tell them where you keep it, explain how to use it.
Friends, Family & Colleagues - chat to anyone you know who suffers from anaphylaxis and check what emergency treatment they carry.
Employers - chat to any staff members who suffer from anaphylaxis and keep your first aiders up to date with any changes.
How to use a EURneffy?
Always follow the instructions on the nasal spray. This is a single use device so don't test it first! Insert all the way into a nostril then depress the plunger in the base of the spray.
Treatment of Anaphylaxis
Help the casualty to a comfortable position, lying down with legs elevated is a good position.
Administer an adrenaline auto-injector into the upper outer thigh or adrenaline nasal spray into their nose or assist them in taking it themselves.
Call 999/112/911. All casualties MUST go to hospital after suffering anaphylactic shock.
If symptoms persist after 5 minutes administer a second dose of adrenaline with an auto-injector or nasal spray.
For any further advice feel free to contact me at calum@fawcornwall.co.uk
Remember to keep up to date with your first aid and the most recent advice to help save lives. FAIB (First Aid Industry Body) approved training courses are available with us at www.fawcornwall.co.uk