Anaphylactic Shock: First Aid
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
If you see signs of anaphylactic shock — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives across the whole body, dizziness or collapse — call the Swiss emergency number 144 immediately. If an adrenaline auto-injector is available, use it according to the doctor's instructions. Lay the person flat (let them sit upright if they are struggling to breathe) and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience difficulty breathing or swelling around the throat, call 144 immediately.
Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of allergic reaction and a life-threatening emergency. This article describes the warning signs and the first aid measures to take until the ambulance arrives. It is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Recognising the warning signs
Anaphylactic shock can develop within a few minutes of a wasp or bee sting. Typical signs are:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, the lips or the throat area
- Hives or a rash across the whole body
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting
- Pale skin, rapid pulse, circulatory collapse
Immediate measures
- Call the emergency number 144. This is the top priority — do not hesitate, even if the symptoms still seem mild.
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector if one is available and has been prescribed to the person affected. It should be used according to the individual medical instructions.
- Positioning: If there are circulatory problems, raise the legs; if the person is struggling to breathe, let them sit upright in whatever position is easiest for them. Never let them stand up abruptly.
- Stay with them and keep watching until the ambulance arrives. If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, put them in the recovery position.
Afterwards
Even if the symptoms improve after a dose of adrenaline, medical monitoring is necessary, because a second wave of the reaction can occur after a delay. For this reason, the person affected should not be left alone even after an apparent improvement, and should always be checked over at hospital. After an anaphylactic reaction, the cause should also be investigated by an allergy specialist, so that the risk from future stings can be assessed; more on this in our guide «recognising an insect venom allergy».
Particularly at risk
Stings in the mouth or throat carry an increased risk, because the swelling there can directly narrow the airway — more on this in the article «wasp sting in the mouth or throat». People with a known insect venom allergy and children are also considered particularly at risk and should discuss in advance with their doctor how to act in an emergency. Basic immediate measures for any sting can be found in our pillar guide «wasp sting — what to do?».
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise anaphylactic shock?
Warning signs are difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives across the whole body, dizziness, nausea and a rapidly falling blood pressure that can lead to circulatory collapse. The symptoms usually start within minutes of the sting.
How do I use an adrenaline auto-injector correctly?
If an auto-injector has been prescribed and you know how it works, it is usually given into the side of the thigh, following the individual medical instructions. Always call the emergency number 144 as well.
Do I still need to go to hospital after a dose of adrenaline?
Yes. Even after an auto-injector has been used, medical monitoring is necessary, because the symptoms can return after some time.