2. Allergies (Reactions)/Envenomations (Stings,Bites) - ABCDE

Question 1

Difficulty Speaking Between Breaths

Answer 1

Described as:
* Unable to complete a full sentence w/o taking a breath
* Only able to speak a few words w/o taking a breath
* Breathing attempts that severely hinder crying in infants and small children

Question 2

Swarming Attack

Answer 2

Active attack by a swarm of stinging bees, wasps, hornets, etc.

Question 3

Problem Suffixes

Answer 3

I: Injection administered or advised
M: Medication administered or advised

Question 4

Rule 1

Answer 4

Determining the presence of difficulty breathing or swallowing (airway compromise) is a key to proper dispatch

Question 5

Rule 2

Answer 5

A history of severe allergic reaction to the same type of insect or substance should warrant staying on the line to determine if the patient’s condition is worsening

Question 6

Rule 3

Answer 6

If an extremity snakebite is known to be caused by an elapid (coral) snake, use instructions in AI-1

Question 7

Rule 4

Answer 7

If the caller asks whether the patient should be given their medication now, the EMD should only give instructions included in the protocol

Question 8

Axiom 1

Answer 8

Symptoms that have been present for over one hour, w/o increasing severely, are unlikely to get suddenly worse. A worsening condition is a serious sign that may warrant staying on the line.

Question 9

Axiom 2

Answer 9

A patient with a rash (including hives/itching) that is not immediately associated with breathing or swallowing problems is unlikely to develop these symptoms.

Question 10

Axiom 3

Answer 10

Some snakebites can be lethal. While fatalities from snakebites are extremely rare in North America and Europe, they are much more likely to occur in other parts of the world.

Question 11

Axiom 4

Answer 11

Elapid snakes are found worldwide and are the predominant type in Australia. Three species are found in North America: the Eastern and Western Coral Snakes and the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake.

Question 12

Axiom 5

Answer 12

Stingray injuries generally occur when the animal is stepped on. A small, venomous bard in the tail punctures the skin and causes a shallow, painful wound. Heat helps to detoxify the wound and relieve pain. Stingray toxin is not lethal, but the wound should be evaluated for potential bard fragments and to prevent infection.

Question 13

Axion 6

Answer 13

When touched, the tentacles of some jellyfish embed cells that inject venom into their prey. Stings can be very painful, and the venom of some jellyfish is toxic. Remedies are species-specific. DLS treatment is limited to removing the stinging cells from the skin and applying tolerably hot water.

Question 14

Allergic Signs and Symptoms

Answer 14

Abdominal pain, anaphylactic shock, difficulty breathing or swallowing, generalized swelling, itching, rashes/hives

Question 15

Allergies of Significance

Answer 15

• Bee, wasp, hornet stings
• Nuts, strawberries, melons
• Penicillin (especially injections)
• Seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster)
  *Sulfites (chemical preserver in some wines)