Emergency Care Plan for Anaphylaxis

The most important part of food allergy diagnosis is keeping the patient safe. Food allergies are life threatening, and while fatality is rare, it still occurs.  It is extremely important that the client and family is familiar and has access to the emergency care plan.

• RDs can support the patient by ensuring they understand the diagnosis and can communicate it well with others.
  • Food Allergies are a disease, not a diet or preference. See the FARE documentary:   “It’s a disease, not a diet”  
• It is important to educate but not promote fear.
• Part of understanding the diagnosis is understanding how to recognize an anaphylactic reaction. This can be challenging as they are not always obvious and definitions for anaphylaxis can vary in the literature.
• There are co-factors that may increase the rate and severity of reaction.
• Unless otherwise noted by the MD, there are no absolute contraindications for epinephrine use in a potentially anaphylactic reaction. “Epi-first, Epi Fast” 
• The Emergency Management Plan is a one page (front and back) that usually includes the following content:
  • Identification information (name, birthdate, weight)
  • What person is allergic to
  • Description of Severe and Milk Symptoms
  • Medication and dose for epinephrine and antihistamine
  • Instructions for using Epii pen
  • Emergency contacts for doctor, parent and guardian,
  • Click here to access Henri’s Emergency Management Plan
• Questions to review:
  • Does the patient understand the diagnosis?
  • Does the patient understand the management plan?
  • Does the patient understand how to recognize and responds to an anaphylactic reaction?
• Create rapport and opportunity to review and answer any questions the caregiver/patient may have.

Resources:

1. Anaphylaxis.  Diseases and Conditions, Health Library,  Cleveland Clinic  .  Accessed 9 September 2024.  Available at:   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8619-anaphylaxis         
2. Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)  Kids with Food Allergies (KFA).  Accessed 9 September 2024.  Available at:  https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/what-is-anaphylaxis/
3. Poziomkowska-Gęsicka I, Kostrzewska M, Kurek M. Comorbidities and Cofactors of Anaphylaxis in Patients with Moderate to Severe Anaphylaxis. Analysis of Data from the Anaphylaxis Registry for West Pomerania Province, Poland. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 5;18(1):333. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18010333. PMID: 33466336; PMCID: PMC7794698.
4. World Allergy Organization., Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020 Cardona, Victoria et al.; World Allergy Organization Journal, Volume 13, Issue 10, 100472
5. Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis.  Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).  Accessed 9 September 2024.  Available at:   https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/what-is-anaphylaxis/