If you are not able to contact medical control for a hornet sting patient and is allergic, which action best reflects standard EMS practice?

• A. Administer antihistamines and monitor on scene
• B. Call for additional help and wait for instructions
• C. Give oxygen, transport her to the hospital, and monitor en route
• D. Perform rapid transport with continuous monitoring

Answer: (C)

When a hornet sting triggers an allergic reaction with potential anaphylaxis, the priority is to secure breathing and circulation and get the patient to definitive care quickly. If medical control can’t be reached, you follow standing EMS protocols: administer oxygen to support breathing and prevent hypoxia, monitor vital signs continuously, and transport promptly to the hospital while en route monitoring for any changes. This approach directly addresses the life-threatening risks of anaphylaxis and ensures you catch any deterioration early.

Antihistamines alone don’t reverse anaphylaxis and can delay definitive treatment. Waiting for instructions wastes time when you can proceed per protocol, and while rapid transport with monitoring is essential, adding oxygen (when indicated) makes the maneuver safer for a patient who may be airway-compromised or struggling to breathe.