Possible severe allergic reaction at a meal: what should you do first?
If you suspect a severe allergic reaction during a meal, call 911 immediately. Ask someone to find the person's prescribed epinephrine auto-injector if they have one. Follow the device's instructions and the emergency dispatcher's guidance; do not delay the call while trying to work out which food was responsible. A medical assessment is needed after epinephrine is used. Canadian Red Cross: severe allergic reaction response · Quebec: living with a food allergy
Is it “just a rash”?
You cannot tell from one sign alone how a reaction will develop. Quebec's food-allergy guidance lists possible breathing trouble, throat tightness, swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, vomiting, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It says anaphylaxis is severe and unpredictable: symptoms can begin in different ways and progress differently from one episode to another. Do not wait for every sign on a list before seeking urgent help if you suspect a severe reaction. Quebec: allergic reactions
How can people at the table help without guessing?
A simple division of tasks — not a medical protocol
At a glance Someone can… Keep in mind… Call 911 and describe the person's symptoms The dispatcher can guide the response. Locate the person's prescribed auto-injector, if available Devices differ; follow that model's instructions. Stay with the person while help comes Epinephrine does not replace medical supervision.
The Canadian Red Cross says to call emergency services for a suspected severe allergic reaction and to follow the specific auto-injector model's directions. Quebec says the person's circle should know their prescribed device and that medical supervision is necessary after an injection. This article does not teach an injection technique, select a device, or decide whether a particular reaction is anaphylaxis. Quebec: prescribed auto-injector
Before the next shared meal
Someone with a known food allergy can tell the cook about it and ask about ingredients and cross-contact; Quebec notes that shared serving utensils can carry an allergen. This prevention conversation is for a different moment than the emergency itself. Quebec: food-allergy precautions
For general first-aid and CPR practice after an emergency, see ActionBafoly's Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C course. No food-allergy specialty training or device certification is promised.