Health · checked 6 Oct 2026
Someone is having a severe allergic reaction
Safety, right now
- Call 911 now. Say it may be a severe allergic reaction.
- Use their epinephrine auto-injector now, if one is prescribed.
- Lay them flat, legs raised. Breathing hard? Let them sit up.
While you wait for help
- Call 911 on speaker; say it may be anaphylaxis.
Why
It can close the airway within minutes and needs a hospital, even if it eases. - Use their epinephrine auto-injector right away; instructions are on its side.
Why
Use it as soon as it is there, before help arrives. Help them if they cannot. - Lay them flat with legs raised; cover them with a blanket.
Why
It helps against shock. Not with a head, neck, back or leg injury, or vomiting.
The other five steps
- Breathing is hard? Let them sit up. No pillow under the head.
Why
A pillow under the head can block the airway. - Give nothing by mouth while breathing is hard.
Why
The throat may be swelling, and swallowing can be hard. - A bee sting? Scrape the stinger off with a card; no tweezers.
Why
Squeezing the stinger with tweezers pushes in more venom. - No better after 5 minutes? Use a second auto-injector, if available.
Why
Stay with them. Do not let them stand or walk, even if they feel better. - Not breathing or unresponsive? Start CPR and follow the 911 dispatcher.
Why
Keep going until responders take over.
When to call
Call 911 if:
Throat or tongue swelling, a hoarse voice, wheezing or trouble breathing: call 911 now.
Fainting, confusion, or blue, gray or pale lips: call 911 now.
They feel better after the auto-injector: still call 911; they need a hospital.
Checked against
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 6 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.