PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING Principles and procedures for first aid management This section provides further information on signs, symptoms and triggers of anaphylaxis (incl. different types of adrenaline auto-injectors) and asthma (incl. different types of bronchodilators). Anaphylaxis What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. It must be treated as a medical emergency, requires immediate treatment and urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a generalised allergic reaction, which often involves more than one body system. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs within 20 minutes of exposure to the trigger. It is characterised by rapidly developing airway and / or breathing and / or circulation problems usually accompanied by skin and mucosal changes.

What are the triggers and indications of anaphylaxis? Many substances can trigger anaphylaxis, including foods (especially peanuts, tree nuts, cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, seafood, fish, soy, and sesame), drugs (e.g. penicillin), venom from bites (ticks) or stings (e.g. bees, wasps or ants). The indications are highly variable and may include: difficult or noisy breathing, a wheeze or persistent cough, swelling of face and tongue, swelling or tightness in throat, difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice, persistent dizziness or loss of consciousness and/or collapse, pale and floppy (in young children), abdominal pain and vomiting, hives, welts and body redness. What are the different types of adrenaline auto-injectors? Adrenaline auto-injectors are automatic injectors designed for use by anyone, including people who are not medically trained. The auto-injector contains a single, fixed dose of adrenaline. In Australia there is one main brand of adrenaline auto-injector: EpiPen® - that is also available in a junior version (EpiPen®Jr) and a higher dose device (EpiPen®). Only one brand should be prescribed per individual. How do you use an adrenaline auto-injector? For the EpiPen® , form a fist around EpiPen® and pull off blue safety release. Hold leg still and place orange end against outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing) and push down hard until a click is heard or felt and hold for 3 seconds. Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a disorder of the smaller airways of the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways which can narrow when exposed to certain ‘triggers’, leading to difficulty in breathing. Three main factors cause the airways to narrow: the muscle around the airway tightens (bronchoconstriction), the inside lining of the airways becomes swollen (inflammation) or extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced. What are the indications of asthma? Asthma can be recognised by the following signs and symptoms: a dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning, with exercise or activity; chest tightness; shortness of breath; wheeze (high pitched whistling sound during breathing).

IV-4

PADI RTO