Quick Thinking Staff Respond to Two Anaphylaxis Emergencies

Staff at Houlihan Pharmacy Darnley demonstrated exceptional care and calm under pressure after responding to two separate anaphylaxis emergencies on consecutive days in September.

On 25th September, a patient entered the pharmacy after accidentally consuming chocolate containing sunflower seed oil, to which he is severely allergic. The patient was experiencing facial swelling, redness, and difficulty breathing.

The pharmacy team quickly cleared the premises to provide privacy and space, called emergency services, and administered an EpiPen. When symptoms persisted after several minutes, and following advice from the 999 call handlers, a second EpiPen was administered.

A doctor who happened to be in the pharmacy offered assistance, but paramedics arrived shortly after and took over care. The patient was admitted to hospital and monitored overnight, making a full recovery. Remarkably, the team were called to act again the following day when another allergic reaction occurred- though, thankfully, this second incident was less serious.

Pharmacist Laura said:

“We’re just glad both patients are doing well. It was a real team effort, and it shows how important it is to stay calm and act quickly in these situations.”

The incidents serve as a reminder of the vital role community pharmacies play in emergency care and the importance of carrying and knowing how to use adrenaline auto-injectors.