Enroute phaseScenario: The paramedic unit is dispatched to a…
Enroute phaseScenario: The paramedic unit is dispatched to an elementary school nurse’s office for a 7-year-old female who developed difficulty breathing and a rash shortly after eating lunch. The call was received at 1147. Estimated response time is 6 minutes. The paramedic is partnered with an EMT, and a BLS engine crew is also en route. The temperature is 72°F (22°C) and skies are clear. According to the school nurse, the child has a known peanut allergy and her symptoms started within minutes of exposure. The school has an EpiPen available and is awaiting EMS arrival.On scene phaseScenario:The patient (25 kg) is found sitting upright in the school nurse’s office, visibly distressed. She is scratching at her neck and chest, which are covered in raised, red hives. Her lips are swollen, and she is audibly wheezing. The child is anxious and only able to speak in two- to three-word phrases. The nurse confirms that she did not yet administer the EpiPen but did place the child on oxygen via non-rebreather mask. The child’s caregiver has been contacted and is en route to the school.Vital signs: BP 88/52, HR 144, RR 30, SpO₂ 91% on oxygen, Temp 98.4°F (36.9°C).What is the most critical reason to administer epinephrine early in pediatric anaphylaxis?