Birthday party reaction

Question 1

A 6-year-old's lips are puffy, their voice has gone hoarse, and they're wheezing. The parent says they have a nut allergy. Mild reaction or anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis — anything affecting Airway, Breathing or Circulation is severe. Give the adrenaline auto-injector now and call 999

Answer

Mild — just a bit of swelling

Answer

Wait and see

Answer

Give an antihistamine and continue the party

Question 2

You've got the EpiPen. Where do you give it and how?

Accepted Answer

Into the outer middle of the thigh — through clothes is fine — press firmly for the recommended hold time, then massage briefly

Answer

Into a vein in the arm

Answer

Into the bottom

Answer

Under the tongue

Question 3

You've given the EpiPen. Symptoms are easing. Do you still need an ambulance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — always 999, every time. Adrenaline can wear off and symptoms can return (biphasic reaction) hours later. They need monitoring in hospital

Answer

No — adrenaline has fixed it, send them home

Answer

Just take them to the GP tomorrow

Answer

Only if symptoms return

Question 4

Their inhaler is in the bag too. Should you use that instead?

Accepted Answer

No — only adrenaline reverses anaphylaxis. A blue inhaler can be a useful add-on if there's wheeze, but it doesn't replace the EpiPen

Answer

Yes — a salbutamol (blue) inhaler is just as good for anaphylaxis

Answer

Use the inhaler first, then the EpiPen

Answer

Antihistamines work better than adrenaline

Question 5

Worst case — they go unresponsive and stop breathing normally. CPR on a 6-year-old: same as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Start with 5 initial rescue breaths, then 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Use one or two hands, push about a third of the chest depth

Answer

Identical to an adult

Answer

Compressions only, no breaths ever

Answer

Stand them up and shake them

Birthday party reaction — free online first aid refresher | Brity®