What is a critical intervention step after activating EMS for an anaphylactic patient?

Monitoring vital signs is a crucial step after activating EMS for an anaphylactic patient. In the case of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction can lead to rapid deterioration of the patient's condition, affecting their airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness. By closely monitoring vital signs—such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation—rescue personnel can assess the severity of the reaction and determine if further interventions are necessary while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

This monitoring helps in identifying worsening symptoms, like the onset of shock or difficulty breathing, that require immediate medical attention. While other interventions, such as administering antihistamines, may be relevant, they are not the immediate priorities in anaphylaxis, where epinephrine is the first-line treatment. Observing vital signs ensures that the patient is stabilized as much as possible until professional medical help arrives.