Anaphylactic shock is extremely serious. It can block your airways and prevent you from breathing. It can also stop your heart. This is due to the decrease in blood pressure that prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen. If you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it at the onset of your symptoms. Don’t try to take any type of oral medication if you’re having difficulty breathing. Even if you seem better after you use the EpiPen, you must still get medical attention. There’s a significant risk of the reaction coming back as soon as the medication wears off. If anaphylactic shock is occurring because of an insect sting, remove the stinger if possible. Use a plastic card, such as a credit card. Press the card against the skin, slide it upward toward the stinger, and flick the card up once underneath it. Don’t squeeze the stinger, as this can release more venom. If someone appears to be going into anaphylactic shock, call 911 and then:

Get them into a comfortable position and elevate their legs. This keeps blood flowing to the vital organs. If they have an EpiPen, administer it immediately. Give them CPR if they aren’t breathing until the emergency medical team arrives.