Emergency | FoodNex

Take a breath. You're here.

That's the first right thing.

What's happening?

Get help now

🚨

Call 911

Life-threatening emergency

☎️

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

Allergic reaction

🚨

Call 911 immediately if: Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, dizziness, or loss of consciousness

How severe?

Anaphylaxis

🚨

This is life-threatening. Call 911 NOW.

1

Use EpiPen if available

Inject into outer thigh, can go through clothing

2

Call 911

Even if EpiPen helps, need emergency care

3

Lay person flat, elevate legs

Unless breathing is difficult — then sit them up

4

Second EpiPen after 5-15 min if no improvement

If available and symptoms continue

✓ Do

Stay with the person
Note time of EpiPen use
Loosen tight clothing

✕ Don't

Don't give oral medications if swallowing is difficult
Don't let them stand up suddenly
Don't assume EpiPen means they're fine — still need ER

Mild allergic reaction

⚠️

Watch closely. Mild reactions can become severe. If symptoms spread or breathing changes → Call 911

1

Stop eating the suspected food

Remove any remaining food from mouth

2

Take antihistamine

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or similar, follow label dosing

3

Monitor for 4+ hours

Reactions can worsen or return

4

Note what was eaten

Save packaging, take photos for allergist

Common food allergens:

Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame

Choking

🚨

If person cannot cough, speak, or breathe → Act immediately

Can they cough or speak?

Severe choking — Heimlich

🚨

Have someone call 911 while you help

1

Stand behind the person

Wrap your arms around their waist

2

Make a fist with one hand

Place thumb side against abdomen, above navel, below ribcage

3

Grasp fist with other hand

Quick upward thrusts — inward and upward

4

Repeat until object comes out

Or person becomes unconscious

⚠️

If person becomes unconscious: Lower them to ground, call 911, begin CPR if trained

For infants (under 1 year):

Use back blows and chest thrusts, NOT abdominal thrusts. Different technique required.

Partial blockage

1

Encourage coughing

Coughing is the best way to clear the airway

2

Stay with them

Watch for signs of worsening

3

Be ready to act

If they stop coughing or can't breathe → Heimlich

✓ Do

Let them cough
Stay calm and reassuring
Be prepared to help if it worsens

✕ Don't

Don't slap their back (can lodge it deeper)
Don't give water while choking
Don't do Heimlich if they can cough effectively

Food poisoning symptoms

🚨

Call 911 if: Bloody stool, high fever (>101.5°F), severe dehydration, confusion, or symptoms lasting >3 days

1

Stay hydrated

Small sips of water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks

2

Rest

Your body is fighting the infection

3

Avoid solid foods until vomiting stops

Then start with bland foods (BRAT: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)

4

Save the suspected food

May help identify the cause if needed

Signs of dehydration:

Dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness when standing, no tears when crying (in children)

Ate spoiled food

1

Don't panic

Not all spoiled food causes illness

2

Monitor for symptoms

Usually appear within 1-6 hours, sometimes up to 72

3

Stay hydrated

Drink water or electrolyte drinks

4

Call Poison Control if concerned

1-800-222-1222

Higher risk foods:

Raw/undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, sprouts

Ate recalled food

1

Check if you have symptoms

Most recalls are precautionary — not everyone gets sick

2

Read the recall notice

Check what symptoms to watch for and timeline

3

Discard remaining product

Or return to store for refund

4

Contact doctor if symptoms develop

Especially for vulnerable populations

Check recalls:

FDA Recalls · USDA Recalls