Continuing Professional Development: Managing anaphylaxis in the out-of-hospital setting
Abstract
Overview
This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module will explore the most severe form of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis. This will include outlining the definition, prevalence, pathophysiology and paramedic management of the disease. There are a number of self-directed activities to complete as you move through the article together with a list of further resources to expand your research. This article requires the reader to have a basic appreciation of normal physiology associated with the immune system and an appreciation of the general approach to assessing and managing patients in the out-of-hospital, emergency setting before completion.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module you will be able to:
• Outline the definition, pathophysiology and epidemiology of anaphylaxis
• Identify the key diagnostic features of anaphylaxis, including the causes and physical presentation
• Outline how anaphylaxis is managed by paramedics