What should you do if you suspect a passenger is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?

Administering an EpiPen if available is the appropriate response when you suspect a passenger is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, commonly known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. The timely use of an EpiPen, which delivers a dose of epinephrine, can counteract these symptoms and provide critical time for emergency services to arrive.

Immediate action is vital because the consequences of delaying treatment can be severe, potentially leading to loss of consciousness or even death. The EpiPen works by narrowing blood vessels and opening airways in the lungs, allowing the individual to breathe more easily and stabilizing their condition until professional medical help can be obtained.

Taking other actions, like waiting for the passenger to settle down, giving them water, or advising them to keep calm, may delay necessary intervention and could worsen the situation, as these measures do not address the root cause of anaphylaxis.