In the management of a suspected anaphylactic reaction, after giving oxygen and gathering patient information (SAMPLE/OPQRSTI), what is the next EMS action?

• A. Contact medical control.
• B. Administer a second dose of epinephrine.
• C. Transport immediately without contacting medical control.
• D. Apply a tourniquet to restrict blood flow.

Answer: (A)

In suspected anaphylaxis, the immediate next step after providing oxygen and gathering patient history is to contact medical control for orders on ongoing management. This ensures you have physician authority to authorize any additional treatments, such as further epinephrine dosing, and to confirm the plan for monitoring and rapid transport. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly, so coordinating with medical direction helps tailor care to the patient’s needs and local protocols. The other actions aren’t appropriate next steps: a second epinephrine dose requires orders, transporting without medical control isn’t aligned with protocol, and a tourniquet has no role in anaphylaxis.