Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction which can be life-threatening and requires immediate help, says a Canadian Newswire story. Yet according to a new Ipsos Reid survey, almost two-thirds of Canadians say they wouldn’t know exactly what to do in this situation.
The survey also found that:
– Half of Canadians feel they would be unable to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
– Half also say they are unfamiliar with epinephrine auto-injectors (a device used to treat a serious allergic reaction) and wouldn’t know how to use one.
– Four in ten Canadians say they’d be terrified of injecting someone with an auto-injector incorrectly and hurting or harming the individual.
With about 2.5 million Canadians reporting an allergy, there is a need for awareness. In response, a team of young adults who live with food allergies has been mobilized to help educate the public. They will be in major centres across Canada during the week of May 4-8.
The national initiative is being supported by Allerject, the ‘talking’ epinephrine auto-injector, and is being launched to coincide with Food Allergy Awareness Month this May.
Dylan Brennan, one of the Team Allerject members, is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. “We’ll be providing tips and advice, and demonstrating the steps to take in an allergy emergency,” he notes. “I’m excited to be part of this important education program because it may save lives.”
Team Allerject members will be doing media interviews and guest appearances in six locations across Canada – Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. They will be discussing how to recognize the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, explaining the emergency steps to take to treat a reaction, and demonstrating the proper use of an auto-injector.
“It’s great to see young people engage the community in public awareness about anaphylaxis. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can help save a life,” says Beatrice Povolo, Director of Marketing and Communications with Anaphylaxis Canada.
As well, the public will be able to access information and download resources at www.allerject.ca.
